Neuroscience 1 Flashcards
Two Unique Zones
- Receptive Zone: receives signals from other neurons
2. Transmission Zone: pass on signals to other cells
Cell Body
contains most of vital organelles which keep cell functioning
Dendrites
reach out to other neurons and receive signals to be relayed through the dendritic branch to cell body, some signals will also be conveyed down the axon
Axon
signals are passed down axons
Axon Terminal
cluster of branches at end of axons
Terminal Bouton
reach out and make connections with the receptive zone of nearby neurons to transmit the signal further
Glial Cells
found throughout nervous system providing structural support, nourishment and insulation needed by neurons
Resting Potential
-70mv
Two types of Potassium Channels
- Leaky Channel: always open, potassium can pass through membrane
- Voltage Gated Potassium Channel: potassium can only pass through when these are open
Threshold Potential
-50mv
Action Potential Steps
- Sodium channels along cell membrane open
- Sodium ions rush into neuron causing inside charge to be positive
- Potassium Ions get pushed out of cell through leaky channels
- Positive charge builds up so voltage gated potassium channels open
- After reaching +40mv, sodium channels close
- Potassium is leaving the cell, causing the charge to go negative
- Potassium channels close and the cell is hyperpolarized, overshoots the resting potential
Cell slowly returns to -70mv
Refractory Period
neuron can’t fire another action potential until it recovers from the previous one
Sodium Potassium Pump
3 sodium ions out, 2 potassium ions in
Myelin
fatty insulating tissue that coats axons
Saltatory Conduction
process where action potential jumps across gaps in myelin sheath
