Key Terms: Neurons & Neural Transmission

for Exam 1 made by Dr Belles

neuron

Basic functional unit of the CNS; capable of both sending and receiving signals

what is a neuron made up of

cell body, dendrites, axon

dendrite

Main input signal: communication attachment, Receive info from cells (electrical or chemical)

axon

Reaches to target cells: Send impulses away from the cell

myelin

covers axon, keeps the signal sending away from the cell body

nodes of ranvier

are the gaps btwn the myelin sheath

depolarization

Decreases the membrane potential form its resting state and thus makes it more positive

depolarization helps the cell with

Facilitating the likelihood that a signal will be sent

hyperpolarization

Increased the membrane potential from it’s resting state and thus makes it more negative

what does hyperpolarization do to the cell

Makes the cell inhibitory and less likely that a signal will be sent

ligand gated channels

Allow the passage of ions as a result of a neurotransmitter

voltage gated channels

Allow the passage of ions when the membrane potential reaches a specific voltage

leak (non-gated) channels

Are always open and allow a small amt of diffusion of ions across the membrane

modality-gated channels

Allow the passage of ion following such things as a mechanical force (pressure or touch) or temperature changes

anterograde

 microtubules carry NTs toward the terminal

retrograde

microtubules carry NTs away from terminal

reuptake

when NTs are absorbed