Neurons Flashcards
Define: neurotransmission (aka. synaptic transmission)
The process of neurons communicating with one another.
Define: neuron
Nerve cell specialised to receive, process and transmit information to other cells within the body
What are the 3 basic structural features of all neurons?
Dendrites
Soma
Axon
Define: dendrite
thin, branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive information from other neurons and transmit it to the soma.
Define: dendritic spine
additional outgrowth of dendrites
Do dendrites and dendritic spines allow for 100’s of connections to other neurons?
Yes
Define: soma
cell body (containing the nucleus, organelles and cytosol which enable cell function) which integrates the neural information received from dendrites and sends the action potential to the axon.
Define: action potential
An electrical impulse originated by the soma which is sent down the axon to stimulate the terminal buttons to release neurotransmitters.
Define: threshold
The minimum level of stimulation required for an action potential to be activated (sent down axon…)
Define: axon
Single, tube-like extension that carries the neural information away from the soma and towards the axon terminals.
Is the axon covered? Explain.
Most neurons are covered in a myelin sheath (fatty white substance that coats and insulates the axon in segments) and the unmyelinated gaps between segment are called the nodes of Ranvier.
Do myelinated neurons communicate their messages more quickly than unmyelinated neurons?
Yes
What are the smaller branches that the axon can split into?
Axon collaterals.
Define: axon terminal
The end section of the axon.
Define: terminal button
Knob-like swelling at the tip of the axon terminal, which stores and secretes neurotransmitters manufactured by the neuron.
