Neuroscience Flashcards
Motor neurons
Communicate info from the central nervous system to the muscles
Neuron
Highly specialized cell that communicates info in electrical and chemical form
Cell body
The part of cell that processes nutrients and provides energy for the neuron to function; contains the cells nucleus; also called the soma
Dentrites
The multiple short fibers that extend from a neuron’s cell body and receive info from other neuron’s or sensory receptor cells
Axon
The long, fluid-filled tube that carries messages to other body areas
Glial cells
The support cells that assist neuron’s by providing structural support, nutrition, and removal of cell wastes;
manufacture myelin
Myelin sheath
A white, fatty covering aroun axon of some neuron’s that increase their communication speed
Action potential
A brief electrical impulse by which info is transmitted along axon
Stimulus threshold
The min level of stimulation required to activate a particular neuron
Resting potential
The state in which a neuron is prepared to activate and communicate it’s message if it receives sufficient stimulation.
-70 millivolts
Synapse
Point of communication between two neurons
Synaptic gap
Tiny space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of an adjoining neuron
Axon terminals
The branches at end of the axon that contain tiny pouches, or sacs, called synaptic vesicles.
Synaptic vesicles
The tiny pouches or sacs in axon terminals that contain chemicals called neurotransmitter
Neurotransmitter
Chemicals messengers manufactured by a nueron
Synaptic transmission
The process through which neurotransmitters are released by one neuron, cross the synaptic gap, and affect adjoining neurons
Reuptake
The process by which neurotransmitter molecular detach from a post synaptic neuron so they can be recycled and used again
Acetylcholine
Learning, memory, muscle contractions
Alzheimer’s disease
Dopamine
Movement, thought processes, rewarding sensations
Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, drug addiction
Serotonin
Emotional states, sleep, sensory perception
Depression
Norepinephrine
Physical arousal, learning, memory, regulation of sleep
Depression, stress
Glutamate
Excitatory messages
Seizures, Alzheimer’s disease
GABA
Inhibitory messages
Anxiety disorder
Endorphins
Pain perception, positive emotions
Opioid addiction
Nervous system
The primary communication network of the body. Divided into the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
Nerves
Bundles of neuron axons that carry info in the peripheral nervous system
Central nervous system
The division of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral nervous system
The division of the nervous system that includes all the nerves lying outside the central nervous system
Somatic nervous system
The subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that communicates sensory info to the central nervous system and carries motor messages from the central nervous system to the muscles.
Autonomic nervous system
The subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary functions
Sympathetic nervous system
The branch of the autonomic nervous system that produces rapid physical arousal in response to perceived emergencies or threats
Parasympathetic nervous system
The branch of the autonomic nervous system that maintains normal bodily functions and conserves the body’s physical resources
