9/20- Glial Cells (OP)

Neuron

Basic unit of the nervous system that carries information.

Synapse

Connection point where neurons communicate with each other.

Glial cells

Support cells in the nervous system that assist neurons.

Excitatory synapse

Synapse that increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing.

Inhibitory synapse

Synapse that decreases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger released by neurons to transmit signals.

AMPA receptors

Type of receptor for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.

NMDA receptors

Type of glutamate receptor that acts as a coincidence detector.

GABA

Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Scaffolding proteins

Proteins that help organize and maintain the structure of synapses.

Long-term potentiation

Persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity.

Long-term depression

Long-lasting decrease in synaptic strength following specific patterns of activity.

Calcium ions (Ca2+)

Involved in various signaling pathways within neurons and glial cells.

Plasticity

The ability of the nervous system to change and adapt over time.

Cleft

The small gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons at the synapse.

Vesicles

Membrane-bound compartments that store neurotransmitters.

Postsynaptic potential

Change in membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron in response to neurotransmitters.

Presynaptic neuron

Neuron that sends the signal across the synapse.

Postsynaptic neuron

Neuron that receives the signal at the synapse.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Glutamate

Main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Glycine

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that acts in the spinal cord and brainstem.

Presynaptic density

Area in the presynaptic terminal rich in proteins for neurotransmitter release.

Postsynaptic density

Area in the postsynaptic terminal rich in receptors and signaling proteins.

Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP)

A biological learning rule based on the timing of spikes from neurons.

Cation

Positively charged ion, such as sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+).

Anion

Negatively charged ion, such as chloride (Cl-).

Phospholipase C (PLC)

Enzyme that plays a role in the mechanism of calcium release.

Intracellular calcium stores

Calcium found within the cells, particularly in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells involved in nutrient support and neurotransmitter regulation.

Microglia

Immune cells of the central nervous system that remove debris and modulate inflammation.

Blood-brain barrier

Barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream.

Coincidence detector

Receptor that requires the presence of multiple signals to become activated.

Neurodevelopment

The process by which the nervous system develops and matures.

Dendritic spines

Small protrusions on dendrites where synapses form.

Calcium wave

Propagation of calcium signals within astrocytes or neurons.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in biological systems.

Neuronal circuitry

Networks of interconnected neurons that process and transmit information.

Psyche

The human mind or soul.

Electrophysiology

Study of the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues.

Transmitter release

The process by which neurotransmitters are expelled from presynaptic vesicles.

Immunohistochemistry

Method for detecting specific proteins in cells or tissue sections.

Calcium imaging

A technique used to visualize calcium signals in living cells.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid outside of cells, important for ion balance and signaling.

Endoplasmic reticulum

Cell organelle that regulates calcium levels and produces proteins.

Long-term effects

Changes that last for an extended period due to specific experiences or activities.

Synaptic pruning

The process of eliminating weaker synaptic contacts to enhance neural efficiency.

Balance in excitation and inhibition

Essential for the proper functioning of neural circuits.

Hippocampus

Brain region involved in memory formation and spatial navigation.

Metabotropic receptors

Receptors that, when activated, trigger signaling cascades within cells.

Neural modulation

The adjustment of neuronal activity and communication by external factors.

Neuronal excitability

The ability of a neuron to respond to stimuli and fire action potentials.