Neural Signaling

C2.2

Neuron

A specialized cell that transmits electrical signals in the nervous system.

Nerve Fiber

A long projection of a neuron that conducts impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrite

A branched extension of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.

Axon

The long, slender part of a neuron that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Axon Terminal

The endpoint of an axon where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other neurons.

Sensory Neuron

A type of neuron that carries sensory information from receptors to the central nervous system.

Interneuron

A neuron that connects sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

Resting Potential

The electrical charge difference across a neuron's membrane when it is not actively transmitting a signal.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A protein that helps maintain the resting potential by moving sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell.

Nerve Impulse

An electrical signal that travels along a neuron's axon.

Action Potential

A rapid change in membrane potential that occurs when a neuron fires and transmits a signal.

Myelin

A fatty substance that insulates axons and speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses.

Myelinated Axons

Axons that are covered with myelin, allowing for faster nerve impulse conduction.

Non-myelinated Axons

Axons that lack a myelin sheath, resulting in slower nerve impulse conduction.

Correlation

A statistical measure that describes the relationship between two variables.

Positive Correlation

A relationship where an increase in one variable is associated with an increase in another variable.

Negative Correlation

A relationship where an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in another variable.

Coefficient of Determination (R²)

A statistical measure that indicates the proportion of variance in one variable that can be explained by another variable.

Synapses

Junctions between two neurons where communication occurs through neurotransmitters.

Presynaptic Membrane

The membrane of the neuron that sends the signal in a synapse.

Synaptic Cleft

The small gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes at a synapse.

Postsynaptic Membrane

The membrane of the neuron that receives the signal in a synapse.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger that transmits signals across synapses between neurons.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and various brain functions including memory and learning.