neurons Flashcards
what are dendrites?
fibers with synaptic receptors that receive information from other neurons
what is the cell body / soma?
most of the neurons metabolism occurs here; they may also have synapses
what is the axon?
long fiber that conveys an impulse toward other neurons, organs, or muscles
presynaptic terminal
at this point, the axon releases chemicals that cross through the junction from one neuron to the next
where are terminals located?
at the end of the axon
multipolar
many dendrites, one axon
bipolar
one dendrite, one axon
uni- or monopolar
have an axon that branches out in two directions (input zone and output zone)
why is there only one axon?
receive a lot of information, but just send one message; more precise
what are spindle neurons?
they are a bipolar neuron important in socialization and empathy; new research
what is another name for spindle neurons?
von economo neurons
motor neurons
its soma is in the spinal cord; conducts impulses along its axon to a muscle
it is efferent
what does efferent mean?
carries information out
sensory neurons
light, sound, touch; soma is located on the trunk
it is afferent
afferent
brings information in
