Neural Communication and Glial Cells

These flashcards cover key concepts related to neural communication, glial cells, and the physiological processes within the nervous system.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around a nerve to increase the speed of electrical impulses.

EPSP (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential)

A depolarization event that makes the postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

IPSP (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential)

A hyperpolarization event that makes the postsynaptic neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

Neurocrine receptors

Receptors in chemical synapses that respond to neurotransmitters, classified into ligand-gated ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of neurons that receive inputs from other neurons.

Glial cells

Non-neuronal cells in the CNS and PNS that support, insulate, and protect neurons.

Action potential

A rapid electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron.

Saltatory conduction

The process by which action potentials jump from one Node of Ranvier to another, increasing the speed of conduction.

Synaptic cleft

The small gap between the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic membrane through which neurotransmitters diffuse.

Schwann cells

Glial cells in the PNS that form the myelin sheath around axons.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells in the CNS that form myelin sheaths around multiple axons.

Astrocytes

The most numerous glial cells in the CNS, providing structural support and regulating the blood-brain barrier.

Microglia

Immune cells in the CNS that act as macrophages, clearing cellular debris and pathogens.

Ependymal cells

Glial cells that line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, involved in producing cerebrospinal fluid.

Neurotransmitter termination

The process by which neurotransmitter action is halted through various mechanisms.

Convergence circuit

A neural circuit in which multiple presynaptic neurons influence a single postsynaptic neuron.

Divergence circuit

A neural circuit in which one presynaptic neuron impacts multiple postsynaptic neurons.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Ligand-gated ion channels

Membrane proteins that open in response to the binding of a chemical messenger, allowing ions to pass through.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

Receptors that activate intracellular signaling pathways through G proteins after binding a ligand.