Neurons and Synaptic Transmission

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to neurons and synaptic transmission, including definitions and key concepts from the lecture notes.

Neurons

Information processing units of the brain responsible for sending, receiving, and transmitting electrochemical signals.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary movements.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Subdivision of the ANS that prepares the body for 'fight or flight'.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Subdivision of the ANS that promotes 'rest and digest' activities.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

The long, thin part of a neuron that transmits action potentials away from the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

Insulating layer around axon that speeds up electrical impulses.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Synaptic Transmission

The process by which one neuron communicates with another across a synapse.

Vesicles

Membrane-bound structures that contain neurotransmitters at the presynaptic terminal.

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

A postsynaptic potential that makes the neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)

A postsynaptic potential that makes the neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the sensory receptors to the CNS.

Relay Neurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS.

Calcium Channels

Ion channels that open in response to an action potential, allowing calcium ions to enter the neuron.

Graded Potential

A change in the electric potential across the membrane that varies in size.

Synaptic Cleft

The gap between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons through which neurotransmitters travel.