Vital Terminology for Neuroscience!

Question 1

Dendrite
Soma
Node of Ranvier

Answer 1

1. Tapered extensions of cell body used for communication.
2. Cell body.
3. Tiny spaces in between Schwann cells.

Question 2

Axon terminal (Synaptic ending)
Schwann Cell
Myelin Sheath
Axon Hillock

Answer 2

1. Distal end of an axon. Chemical messengers are emitted from the terminals.
2. Support cells that myelinate the axon.
3. A layer of fat and Schwann cells that covers an axon.
4. The point where an axon begins from the soma. It is loaded with action potential to stimulate an axon for an all or none response.

Question 3

Multipolar Neuron

Answer 3

Neurons which have MULTIPLE dendritic projections from the cell body and most always have an axon.

Question 4

Bipolar Neuron

Answer 4

Neurons which have 2 projections, typically one dentrite and one axon.

Question 5

Pseudounipolar Neuron

Answer 5

Neurons which appear to have only one projection. Actually is a bipolar neuron which has asymmetrical development of the cell body resulting in a stalk. A COMBINATION of a dendrite and an axon together.

Question 6

How does a Pseudounipolar cell develop?

Answer 6

1. At start, one is axon and the other is dendrite.
2. Nucleus migrates out from between the dendrite and axon.
3. Dendrite and Axon become one.

Question 7

Grey Matter

Answer 7

A collection of neural cell bodies or soma,
Glial cells (astroglia and oligodendrocytes)
Capillaries (the blood present gives it the grey color.)
Short nerve cell extensions/processes (axons and dendrites)

Question 8

Nuclei

Answer 8

Structural areas of collections of functionally related nerve cell bodies within the CNS.
Note: Not to be confused with the nuclei of other individual cells of the body.

Question 9

Cortex (Plural Cortices)

Cerebral cortex is thought to be the seat of the mind

Answer 9

Grey matter, which forms a layered surface covering some part of the CNS.
examples: Cerebellar and Cerebral.

Question 10

Ganglia

Answer 10

Collections of nerve cell bodies and dendrites in the PNS and ANS.
Note: Usually within the CNS these collections of cell bodies are called Nuclei, but there are exceptions.

Question 11

Basal Ganglia

Answer 11

A group of nuclei interconnected with the cerebral cortex, thalamus and brainstem, associated with a variety of functions: Motor control, congnition, emotions, and learning

Question 12

White Matter

Answer 12

Composed of myelinated nerve cell processes, or axons, which connect various grey matter areas of the brain to each other, and carry nerve impulses between neurons.
Note: The white color comes from the fatty insulating cells that surround the axons.

Question 13

Name the 2 types of myelinating cells

Answer 13

Oligodendrocytes in the CNS.

Schwann Cells in the PNS.

Question 14

What are the 5 names of white matter functional pathways?

Answer 14

Tract.
Fasiculus.
Funiculus.
Lemniscus (ribbon like)
Peduncle (Massive area of neurons)

Question 15

Decussation

Answer 15

Where nerve fibers CROSS MIDLINE from one lateral part to the contralateral side.
“Crossing over”

Question 16

Association Pathways

Answer 16

This pathway Connects nuclei of the SAME hemisphere. (This is especially true in the cingulate gyrus.)

Question 17

Commisural Pathways

Answer 17

This pathway Connects HOMOLOGOUS parts of BOTH hemispheres (temporal lobe to temporal lobe). The largest pathway of this type is the Corpus Callosum which projects Interhemispheric corticocortical fibers.

Question 18

Projection pathways

Answer 18

These axons run in the lengthwise direction of the spinal cord.