Neurons Flashcards

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1
Q

Action potential

A

A transient all-or-nothing electrical current that is conducted down the axon when the membrane potential reaches the threshold of excitation.

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2
Q

Axon

A

Part of the neuron that extends off the soma, splitting several times to connect with other neurons; main output of the neuron.

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3
Q

Cell membrane

A

A bi-lipid layer of molecules that separates the cell from the surrounding extracellular fluid.

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4
Q

Dendrite

A

Part of a neuron that extends away from the cell body and is the main input to the neuron.

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5
Q

Diffusion

A

The force on molecules to move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

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6
Q

Electrostatic pressure

A

The force on two ions with similar charge to repel each other; the force of two ions with opposite charge to attract to one another.

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7
Q

Excitatory postsynaptic potentials

A

A depolarizing postsynaptic current that causes the membrane potential to become more positive and move towards the threshold of excitation.

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8
Q

Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials

A

A hyperpolarizing postsynaptic current that causes the membrane potential to become more negative and move away from the threshold of excitation.

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9
Q

Ion channels

A

Proteins that span the cell membrane, forming channels that specific ions can flow through between the intracellular and extracellular space.

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10
Q

Ionotropic receptor

A

Ion channel that opens to allow ions to permeate the cell membrane under specific conditions, such as the presence of a neurotransmitter or a specific membrane potential.

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11
Q

Myelin sheath

A

Substance around the axon of a neuron that serves as insulation to allow the action potential to conduct rapidly toward the terminal buttons.

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12
Q

Neurotransmitters

A

Chemical substance released by the presynaptic terminal button that acts on the postsynaptic cell.

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13
Q

Nucleus

A

Collection of nerve cells found in the brain which typically serve a specific function.

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14
Q

Resting membrane potential

A

The voltage inside the cell relative to the voltage outside the cell while the cell is at rest (approximately -70 mV).

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15
Q

Sodium-potassium pump

A

An ion channel that uses the neuron’s energy (adenosine triphosphate, ATP) to pump three Na+ ions outside the cell in exchange for bringing two K+ ions inside the cell.

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16
Q

Soma

A

Cell body of a neuron that contains the nucleus and genetic information, and directs protein synthesis.

17
Q

Spines

A

Protrusions on the dendrite of a neuron that form synapses with terminal buttons of the presynaptic axon.

18
Q

Synapse

A

Junction between the presynaptic terminal button of one neuron and the dendrite, axon, or soma of another postsynaptic neuron.

19
Q

Synaptic gap

A

Also known as the synaptic cleft; the small space between the presynaptic terminal button and the postsynaptic dendritic spine, axon, or soma.

20
Q

Synaptic vesicles

A

Groups of neurotransmitters packaged together and located within the terminal button.

21
Q

Terminal button

A

The part of the end of the axon that form synapses with postsynaptic dendrite, axon, or soma.

22
Q

Threshold of excitation

A

Specific membrane potential that the neuron must reach to initiate an action potential.