Neurons and Nerves Flashcards
Nervous System
A network of cells that carries information to and from all parts of the body
Neuron
The specialized cell in the nervous system that receives and sends messages within that system
Dendrites
The parts of the neuron that receive messages from other cells
Soma
The part of the cell that contains the nucleus and keeps the entire cell alive and functioning. It is the cell body and dendrites are attached to it.
Axon
A fiber attached to the soma. It carries messages out to other cells.
Axon Terminals
Located at the end of axon branches. It is responsible for communicating with other nerve cells.
Glial Cells
Primary cells. Their jobs can be; a structure for neurons to develop, getting nutrients to neurons, and insulating neurons.
Myelin
Fatty substance produced by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. It wraps around shaft of axon and forms a proective sheath
Oligodendrocytes
Produce myelin for the neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
Schwann Cells
Produce myelin for the body
Diffusion
The process of ions moving from areas of higher concentration to areas of low concentration.
Synaptic Vesicles
Sac like structures inside the presynaptic terminal
Neurotransmitter
Located inside the neuron and they transmit messages
Synapse or Synaptic Gap
Fluid-filled space between the dendrites of one neuron and the dendrites of another.
Receptor Sites
Proteins that allow only particular molecules of a certain shape to fit into it.
Excitatory Synapse
Turns on cells
Inhibitory Synapse
Turns off cells
Antagonist
A chemical substance that blocks or reduces the effects of a neurotransmitter
Agonist
A chemical substance that mimics or enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter.
Acetylchloline (ACh)
First neurotransmitter to be identified. It stimulates the skeletal muscles to contract and slows contractions in the heart muscles.
Reuptake
Tube that sucks the chemicals back into the vesicles
enzymatic degradation
An enzyme specifically designed to break down ACh very quickly
