Bio week 1- Nerons

Neurons

the “wires” that transmit signals (both chemical & electrical)

Dendrites

They receive the messages from another neuron

Synapses

the space between 2 neurons where signals are passed

Axon

a tube-like stucture that feeds the electrical signals through the neuron and to the axon terminals

Axon terminals

transmits the signals using neurotransmitters through the synapse to other neurons

Soma

the cell body

Electro Chemical Signaling

the process where electrical signals become chemical signals to “jump” the synapses and be received by the postsynaptic neuron.

Synaptic plasticity

the ability to change the strength of the synaptic connections between neurons.

Glia

cells that provide support, they make sure the electrical signal is going to the right place

Nodes of Ranvier

gaps in the axon where the electrical signal recharges

what do neurons do before “making a decision?”

they “talk” to each other through electrical and chemical signals and synthesize

How do ions enter a neuron?

they go through ion channels in the synapses

What chemical

Depolorize

the neuron is more likely to fire

hyperpolorization

the neuron is less likely to fire

LTP

the persistent strengthing of the synaptic connections, (neurons that fire together, wire together) this also results in more AMPA receptors in the synapsis

LTD

the long-term weakening of the synaptic connections, this causes the AMPA receptors to become less responsive

glutamate

a neurotransmitter that causes the neuron to fire

how does LTP work?

glutamate attaches to the AMPA ion receptors and enters the postsynaptic neuron causing it to fire. however, this is not always enough so after repeated firing the NMDA receptor that was once blocked by a magnesium ion gets cleared allowing more glutamate and calsium through.