Cellular Neuroscience Review

Set of practice flashcards based on lecture notes for understanding key terms and concepts in cellular neuroscience.

Neuron

A specialized cell that can transmit nerve impulses, consisting of soma, dendrites, and an axon.

Dendrites

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

Axon

The long, thin extension of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the soma.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron, containing the nucleus and organelles.

Myelin sheath

A fatty layer that surrounds and insulates axons, increasing the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where information is transmitted from one to another through neurotransmitters.

Potassium ions (K+)

Ions that are more concentrated inside the cell, contributing to the resting membrane potential.

Sodium ions (Na+)

Ions that are more concentrated outside the cell and play a critical role in action potentials.

Resting membrane potential

The difference in electrical charge across the membrane of a resting neuron, typically around -70mV.

Action potential

A rapid and temporary change in the membrane potential of a neuron, allowing for the transmission of signals.

Nernst equation

A mathematical equation used to calculate the equilibrium potential for a specific ion across a membrane.

Goldman equation

An equation that calculates the overall membrane potential based on permeability and concentrations of multiple ions.

Glia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that nourish, maintain, and protect neurons.

Astrocyte

A type of glial cell that regulates neurotransmitter levels and maintains the blood-brain barrier.

Oligodendrocyte

Glial cells in the CNS that form the myelin sheath around axons.

Schwann cell

Glial cells in the PNS responsible for myelinating peripheral axons.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals released from axon terminals that transmit signals across synapses.

Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)

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

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)

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

Transmitter-gated ion channel

A type of receptor that opens or closes in response to the binding of a neurotransmitter.

G-Protein coupled receptor (GPCR)

A class of receptors that activate intracellular signaling pathways in response to binding with neurotransmitters.

Hydrocephalus

An increased accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which can cause brain damage.

Somatosensory receptors

Receptors located in the skin and muscles that respond to touch, temperature, and pain.

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to potentially damaging stimuli and are responsible for pain perception.

Proprioceptors

Sensory receptors that provide information about body position and movement.

Cerebellum

A brain region involved in motor control, coordination, balance, and learning motor skills.

Basal ganglia

A group of nuclei in the brain that regulates voluntary motor movements, procedural learning, and habit formation.

Motor cortex

The region of the brain responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements.

Pain pathways

Nerve pathways that carry pain signals from the periphery to the central nervous system.

Optogenetics

A technique that involves using light to control neurons that have been genetically modified to express light-sensitive ion channels.

Circadian rhythms

Physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness.

Plasticity

The ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to experience and environmental changes.

Long-term potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from their repeated stimulation.

Memory consolidation

The process of stabilizing a memory trace after the initial acquisition.

Homeostasis

The process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.