Neurons Flashcards
What is the basic building block of the nervous system?
Neurons
True or False: Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information in the form of electrical signals.
True
Fill in the blank: Neurons communicate with each other through ____________.
Synapses
What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?
Receive incoming signals from other neurons
What is the function of the axon in a neuron?
Transmit signals to other neurons
What is the myelin sheath and what is its role in neuron function?
A fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds up signal transmission
What is the resting potential of a neuron?
The electrical charge difference across the neuron’s membrane when it is not stimulated
What is an action potential?
A brief electrical impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron
What is the role of neurotransmitters in neuron communication?
Chemicals that transmit signals across the synapse from one neuron to another
What is reuptake in the context of neurotransmitters?
The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending neuron after they have been transmitted
Fill in the blank: Neurons fire when they receive enough ____________ from other neurons.
Stimulation
What is the main function of the nervous system in relation to neurons?
To transmit and process information
What is synaptic pruning and why is it important in brain development?
The process of eliminating unused synapses to increase efficiency in neural communication
What is the difference between sensory neurons and motor neurons?
Sensory neurons carry information from sensory receptors to the brain, while motor neurons carry signals from the brain to muscles and glands
What is the significance of plasticity in neurons?
The ability of neurons to change and adapt in response to experience
