Neuronal Function Flashcards
excitable cells that are important in signaling
(electrical and chemical), coordination and movement (cell body, dendrites and axon)
Neurons (Nerve Cells)
3 types of neurons and their functions
Sensory - Transmit information and respond to stimuli
Interneurons - Connect other neurons within the CNS
Motor - Carry signals to effector organ
Components of the nervous system
Neurons and Neuroglia
These are the supporting cells in the nervous system
Neuroglia (glial cells)
Parts of the neuron and their functions
Soma - Cell Body; Responsible for metabolic maintenance of cell
Dendrites - Receives signals from other neurons
Axon - conduct signals away from the body
include the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells
Glial cells
Steps in transmission of signals in a single neuron
- Dendrites and cell body receive and integrate information.
- Axon hillock is the trigger zone. Action potentials travel from hillock to terminals.
- Action potentials move along the axon’s surface.
- Action potentials in axon terminals trigger neurotransmitter release, transmitting signals to other cells.
collect from and send out information to other neurons
Sensory Neurons (Afferent Neuron)
Axons of afferent neurons are called?
Afferent Fiber
Lie inside the Central Nervous System and carry information between other neurons
Interneurons
Specialized location where information is passed
Synapses
Neurons that carry the information out to the effectors
Motor (Efferent) Neurons
potential difference across the membrane
(separation of charges across the membrane)
Membrane Potential (Vm)
What governs the electrical properties of the membrane
Unequal distribution key ions between the ICF and ECF and their selective movement through the plasma membrane
Different parts of the membrane potential graph and what they mean (3)
Depolarization - Decrease in potential; les negative
Repolarization - Return to resting potential post depolarization
Hyperpolarization - Increase in potential; membrane more negative
passive movement of current across the cell
membrane
electrotonic conduction
Passive change in Vm depends on
K+ leak channels
hindrance to electrical
charge movement/ measure of
impermeability to ions
Resistance