Neurobiology Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to neurobiology, including nerve impulses, synaptic transmission, and the functions of various neurotransmitters.

Conduction of a nerve impulse

The process by which electrical signals are transmitted along neurons, fastest in a large diameter myelinated axon.

Cholinergic synaptic transmission

A type of synaptic transmission where acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter involved.

Inhibitory neurotransmitter

A substance that decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential; example includes GABA.

Hyperpolarization

An increase in the membrane potential of a neuron, making it more negative, which reduces the chance of firing an action potential.

Acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter used at cholinergic synapses, involved in muscle activation.

Resting membrane potential

The electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane of a resting neuron, typically around -70 mV.

Action potential

A rapid rise and fall in membrane potential due to the opening and closing of voltage-gated ion channels.

EPSP (Excitatory PostSynaptic Potential)

A transient depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane potential caused by the flow of positively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell.

CNS vs PNS

CNS is the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), while PNS is the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the CNS).

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that help maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons.

Neural summation

The process by which multiple signals are integrated to determine whether a neuron will fire an action potential.

Sympathetic division

A part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action (fight or flight response).

Myelin sheath

An insulating layer that surrounds the axons of some neurons, increasing the speed of signal transmission.

Graded potential

A change in the membrane potential that varies in magnitude and can lead to action potentials if it reaches threshold.

Neurotransmitter

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

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Neuronal coding

The process through which information is represented in the nervous system.

Ion channels

Proteins that create pathways for ions to flow in and out of cells, crucial for the generation of action potentials.

Action potential generation

Triggered when a sufficient depolarization reaches the threshold level.

PNS axon regeneration

The ability for a peripheral nervous system axon to regrow after being severed, often requiring the integrity of the cell body and neurolemma.

Neurotransmitter degradation

The breakdown of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft by enzymes to terminate the signal.

Relative refractory period

A period after an action potential where a stronger than normal stimulus is needed to elicit an action potential.