The Nervous System Flashcards
Specialized cells capable of transmitting electrical impulses and translating those impulses to chemical signals
Neurons
where the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and ribosomes of the neurons are located
Cell body or Soma
appendages emanating from the soma; receive incoming messages from other cells
Dendrites
A specialized part of the soma that connects to the axon; integrates incoming signals from the cell body; plays an important role in action potentials
Axon hillock
Carries information from cell body to terminal buttons; long appendage that terminates in close proximity to a target structure
Axon
increases the speed of conduction in the axon; prevent signal loss or crossing of signals (80% lipid and 20% protein)
myelin
maintains the electrical signal within one neuron
myelin sheath
small breaks in the myelin sheath; essential for rapid signal conduction
nodes of Ranvier
end of the axon; enlarged and flattened to maximize neurotransmission to the next neuron and ensure proper release of neurotransmitters
nerve terminal or synaptic bouton
chemicals that transmit information between neurons
neurotransmitters
a small space where the terminal portion of the axon releases neurotransmitters
synaptic cleft
consists of the nerve terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane
synapse
the three kinds of Glial cells
Astrocytes, Oligodentrocytes, Microglia
produce myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS); also supports axons
Oligodendrocytes
nourish neurons and form the blood-brain barrier; also provide physical support to neurons and clean up debris within the brain
Astrocytes
