Neuroscience and Auditory System

A collection of 59 flashcards focusing on key concepts related to neurons and auditory systems.

Neurons

Cells that transmit signals to allow communication within the body.

Neural networks

Systems of interconnected nerves that transfer information.

Soma (cell body)

Region of the neuron where neurotransmitters and proteins are produced.

Dendrites

Structures that receive incoming signals.

Axon

Carries electrical signals away from the soma.

Axon hillock

Site where action potentials are initiated.

Myelin sheaths

Wrap around axons to provide insulation.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps between myelin segments.

Synapse

Junction between neurons.

Presynaptic neuron

Neuron that releases neurotransmitters.

Synaptic cleft

Gap between communicating neurons.

Receptor

Protein that binds neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers used by neurons.

Synaptic vesicles

Store and transport neurotransmitters.

Voltage-gated calcium channels

Allow calcium entry during synaptic signaling.

Diffusion

Movement driven by a concentration gradient.

Exocytosis

Release of packaged neurotransmitters.

EPSPs

Make the membrane potential less negative.

IPSPs

Make the membrane potential more negative.

Threshold

Minimum voltage required to trigger an action potential.

Action potential

Propagated electrical signal along a neuron.

Subthreshold potential

Electrical signal that does not reach threshold.

Summation

Combination of multiple synaptic signals.

Resting membrane potential

Baseline membrane voltage of a neuron.

Sodium influx

Drives depolarization.

Potassium efflux

Drives repolarization.

Refractory period

Limits frequency of action potentials.

Saltatory conduction

Allows action potentials to jump between nodes.

Myelin

Insulates axons.

Schwann cells

Form myelin in the PNS.

Satellite cells

Regulate ganglionic environments.

Astrocytes

Recycle neurotransmitters.

Rods

Detect light intensity.

Cones

Detect color.

Semicircular canals

Responsible for detecting head rotation.

Auditory transduction

Conversion of sound waves into electrical impulses.

Vibrating object

Initiates formation of a sound wave.

Amplitude

Height of a sound wave.

Frequency

How often a sound wave occurs.

External auditory canal

Funnels sound into the ear.

Auditory ossicles

Amplify sound vibrations.

Cochlea

Transduces sound into electrical signals.

Tympanic membrane

Vibrates in response to sound waves.

Malleus, incus, stapes

Transmit sound vibrations.

Oval window

Transfers vibrations into the cochlea.

Organ of Corti

Contains hair cells for sound detection.

Endolymph

Fluid high in potassium.

Perilymph

Fluid low in potassium.

Round window

Allows pressure relief in the cochlea.

Inner hair cells

Release glutamate to stimulate auditory nerves.

Outer hair cells

Encode sound frequency.

Outer hair cells

Enhance sound acuity.

Base of cochlea

Detects high-frequency sounds.

Apex of cochlea

Detects low-frequency sounds.

Otolith organs (utricle and saccule)

Detect linear acceleration.