Unit 2: Neuroscience Pt. 1 Flashcards
Structures of a neuron
- Soma
- Nucleus
- Dendrites
- Axon
- Nodes of Ranvier
- Myelin Sheath
- Terminal branches/Synaptic Nob/buttons
Soma
Fleshy, cell body –> where all life processes occur
Nucleus
holds DNA
Dentrites
End parts that branch off from the soma
they recieve messages from other neurons
Axon
long part
carry signals from the soma to the end of the neuron
Nodes of Ranvier
gaps in the myelin sheath that allow signals to “jump” along the axon
Saltatory Conduction
Myelin Sheath
glial cells that serve as fatty insulation which help signals travel faster
Multiple sclerosis = loss of myelin sheath
Terminal branches
send signals to other cells
Signals go: dendrite, soma, axon, terminal branches
Action Potential
List events
- Resting potential
- Depolarization
- Repolarization
- Refractory period
Refractory period
After action potential, neuron is unresponsive to a signal for a short amount of time
Neuroplasticity
the brain’s ability to change its activity (build new neural pathways) in response to change
Questions usually regard hemispherectomies
Nerve impulse/firing
series of action potentials propogated down axon from dendrites to terminal branch
wave of action potentials
Firing threshold
minimum stimulation neededd for action potential to ensue
Neurons have an all of nothing response
Neurotransmitters
chemical messengers, released from presynaptic neurons into synapses when AP reaches terminal branches
Agonist drugs
enhance the normal response –> imitate neuro transmitters to elicit same response
some also prevent reuptake
