Neurons

Dendrites

a branched, tree like extension of a neuron that acts as the receiving antenna for incoming signals from other neurons

Axon

a long, thin cable like part of a neuron that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body to send messages to other neurons, muscles or glands

Myelin Sheath

a protective, fatty protein layer that wraps around the axon of a neuron

Axon Terminal

a small, swollen end of a nerve cell’s axon that releases chemical messages called neurotransmitters to send a signal to a neighboring neuron, muscle or gland

synapse

a small junction or gap where one neuron passes a signal to another neuron, muscle cell or gland cell

sprouting

the ability of a neuron to develop new branches on dendrites or axon terminals; expanding the reach of neuron where neural actvity has been prevented or deleted

Rerouting

a neuron’s ability to form a new connection with another undamaged neuron; abandoning its connection with the damaged neuron and allows cognitive functioning to be redeveloped