Neuroscience: Cells of the Nervous System

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the cells of the nervous system.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transfers information within the body.

Dendrites

Highly branched extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

A long extension of a neuron that transmits signals to other cells.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that pass information from the transmitting neuron to the receiving cell.

Glial Cells

Cells that nourish neurons, insulate their axons, and regulate the fluid surrounding them.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that detect information from the external world and send it to the central nervous system (CNS).

Motor Neurons

Neurons that send signals away from the CNS to elicit a response.

Interneurons

Neurons that form interconnections between other neurons, integrating sensory input.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in membrane potential that transmits signals down an axon.

Resting Membrane Potential

The potential of an unstimulated neuron, typically measured at approximately -70 millivolts.

Depolarization

A change in membrane potential making it less negative inside relative to outside.

Hyperpolarization

A change in membrane potential making it more negative inside relative to outside.

Refractory Period

The time during which a neuron is unable to fire another action potential.

Saltatory Conduction

The jumping of action potentials between nodes of Ranvier, speeding up transmission along myelinated axons.

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials (EPSPs)

Depolarizations that bring the membrane potential closer to threshold.

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials (IPSPs)

Hyperpolarizations that move the membrane potential further from threshold.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in many functions including muscle contraction and neurotransmission.