The Cells of the Nervous System Flashcards
Nucleus
Structure that contains the chromosomes
Mitochondrion
Structure that performs metabolic activities
Ribosomes
sites for cell synthesization of new protein molecules
Endoplasmic reticulum
network of thin tubes that transport newly synthesized proteins to other locations
Membrane
structure that separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment
Active transport
a protein-mediated process that expends energy to enable a molecule to cross memebrane
Afferent axon
axon that brings information into the structure
Astrocytes
star-shaped glia that synchronize the activity of the axons
Axon
thin fiber of constant diameter; the neuron’s information sender
Blood-brain barrier
mechanism that excludes most chemical from the brain
Cell body (Soma)
structure containing the nucleus, ribosomes, and mitochondria
Dendrites
branching fibers from a neuron that receive information from other neurons
Dendritic Spines
short outgrowths that increase the surface area available for synapses
Efferent axon
a neuron that carries information away from a a structure
Glia
type of cell in the nervous system that, contrast to neurons, does not conduct impulses over long distances
Glucose
a simple sugar
Interneuron
neuron whose axons and dendrites are all confined within a given structure
Intrinsic neuron
neuron whose axons and dendrites are all confined within a given structure
Microglia
cells that remove waste material and other microorganisms from the nervous system
Motor neuron
neuron that receives excitation from other neurons and conducts impulses to a muscle
Myelin sheath
insulation material that covers vertebrate axon
Nuerons
cells that receive information and transmit it to other cells
Nodes of Ranvier
interruptions in the myelin sheath of vertebrate axons
Oligodendrocytes
glia cells that builds myelin sheath
