neuron review for quiz

Neuropharmacology

The study of how drugs impact the nervous system, including both legal and illegal substances.

Sensory Neuron

A neuron that sends signals to the brain based on sensory input such as touch, sight, taste, sound, and smell.

Interneuron

A type of neuron that communicates between other neurons, relaying information, and is commonly found in the brain and spinal cord.

Motor Neuron

A neuron that is used to move muscles either through voluntary or involuntary actions in response to thoughts or stimuli.

Myelin Sheath

An insulating layer of cell membrane around the axon of a neuron, produced by Schwann cells, which helps speed up signal transmission.

Action Potential

A momentary reversal of membrane potential, creating a nerve impulse which is 'all or none' in nature.

Synapse

The junction where a nervous impulse passes from one neuron to another.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse; examples include norepinephrine and acetylcholine.

Excitatory Neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that causes depolarization of the postsynaptic neuron, increasing the likelihood of firing an action potential.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that decreases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire, often causing hyperpolarization.

Agonist

A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

A substance that binds to a receptor and blocks activation, returning it to baseline.

Reuptake Inhibitor

A drug that blocks the reuptake of a neurotransmitter from the synapse, leading to increased neurotransmitter levels.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, mood, attention, memory, and movement.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep, and also aids in digestion.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A cellular mechanism that restores the resting potential of neurons, crucial for action potential and nerve signaling.