The Neuron Flashcards
Dendrites
Receive messages from other cells, transport signals to soma
Cell body/soma
If this dies, the whole neuron dies (cells life support center)
Axon
Passes messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands
Myelin Sheath
Covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed up neural impulses
Axon terminal branches
Form junctions with other cells
Synapse
The space between two neurons
Neurons
Electrochemical process, electrical inside the neuron, chemical outside the neuron (in the synapse in the form of a neurotransmitter), the firing is called action potential and it is an all or nothing response
How do neurons communicate?
Electrical impulses move through the neuron at the terminal axon the impulses fire into the synapse and into the next neuron
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers
What are the types of neurotransmitters?
Glutamate, gabba, acetylcholine (ACH), dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins
Glutamate
Also known as monosodium or MSG, number one neurotransmitter in the brain that excites neurons
GABA (gamma – amino – butyric – acid)
Number one neurotransmitter in the brain that inhibits neurons from firing
Acetylcholine (ACH)
It’s function is motor movement and memory, too much ACH causes overexcitement and not enough ACH causes exhaustion and tiredness. Lack of ACH has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease
Dopamine
It’s function is motor movement and alertness, lack of dopamine is associated with Parkinson’s disease and overabundance is associated with schizophrenia
Serotonin
Deals with mood control, lack of serotonin has been linked with depression
