week 2

Resting Membrane Potential

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

Polarized Neuron

A neuron in its resting state is considered polarized, with a negative charge inside compared to the outside.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A mechanism that actively transports 3 sodium ions out and 2 potassium ions into the neuron to maintain resting potential.

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

A temporary depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane, making it more likely to fire an action potential.

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)

A temporary hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane, making it less likely to fire an action potential.

Spatial Summation

The summation of postsynaptic potentials from multiple sources to determine whether a neuron will fire.

Temporal Summation

The summation of postsynaptic potentials from a single source occurring in rapid succession to determine whether a neuron will fire.

Action Potential (AP)

An all-or-nothing response generated when the neuron's membrane potential reaches a critical threshold, typically around -65 mV.

Ionotropic Receptors

Receptors that are directly linked to ion channels and result in immediate changes in postsynaptic potential.

Metabotropic Receptors

Receptors that are linked to G proteins and create slower, more long-lasting effects through second messengers.

Exocytosis

The process by which neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft.

Neurotransmitter Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron after they have performed their function.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that play active roles in synaptic transmission and neuronal communication.

Gap Junctions

Protein channels that allow direct communication between adjacent cells, facilitating synchronized activities.

Neuropeptides

Large neurotransmitter molecules synthesized in the cell body that often function as both neurotransmitters and hormones.

Small-Molecule Neurotransmitters

Quick-acting neurotransmitters synthesized in the terminal button, such as glutamate and GABA.

Amino Acid Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that include glutamate (excitatory) and GABA (inhibitory), serving essential roles in the CNS.

Monoamine Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters derived from amino acids, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Unconventional Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters like soluble gases and endocannabinoids that function differently from traditional neurotransmitters.

Threshold Potential

The level of depolarization a neuron must reach for an action potential to be triggered, often around -55 mV.

Resting State

The state of a neuron when it is not sending signals, characterized by a stable and polarized membrane.

Refractory Period

A period following an action potential during which a neuron is less excitable and requires a stronger stimulus to fire.

Neurotransmitter Storage Vesicles

Small membrane-bound structures that store neurotransmitters in the presynaptic neuron until they are released.

Synaptic Clef

The tiny gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received.

Action Potential Propagation

The process by which action potentials move down an axon, allowing for communication between neurons.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around the axon, which speeds up action potential conduction.

Neuronal Plasticity

The ability of neurons to change in form and function in response to experience and learning.

Synaptogenesis

The process of forming new synapses between neurons, crucial for learning and memory.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting enhancement in communication between two neurons that results from their repeated stimulation.

Long-Term Depression (LTD)

A long-lasting decrease in synaptic strength, following a specific pattern of activity.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, involved in higher brain functions like thought and action.

Hippocampus

A brain region important for the formation of new memories and learning.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, including sensory and motor neurons.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system containing the brain and spinal cord.

Neurotransmitter Release

The process of neurotransmitters being released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft.

Axon Terminals

The ends of axons where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other neurons.

Sugar-Coated Neurotransmitters

A metaphorical term describing the combination of neurotransmitters and their receptors that enhance synaptic efficiency.

Action Potential Threshold

The membrane potential that must be reached for an action potential to occur.

Nerve Impulse

The electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron.

Dendritic Spine

Small protrusions on dendrites that receive synaptic inputs from other neurons.

Neurotransmitter Diversity

Refers to the different types of neurotransmitters, including excitatory and inhibitory ones, fulfilling various roles.

Synaptic Transmission

The process of transmitting signals between neurons via synapses.

Neuron Types

Different types of neurons include sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons, each serving unique functions.

Electrical Synapses

Synapses in which the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are electrically coupled, allowing for faster communication.

Neural Circuit

A group of interconnected neurons that work together to process information and coordinate responses.

Electrochemical Gradient

The difference in charge and concentration of ions across a membrane that influences the movement of ions.

Dendrites

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

Axon

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

Myelin Sheath

The fatty layer that covers axons to enhance the speed of electrical signal transmission.

Node of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated, allowing for faster signal transmission.

Synaptic Plasticity

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in activity.

Neurogenesis

The process by which new neurons are generated, primarily in the hippocampus.

Cerebellum

A brain region that plays a key role in motor control, coordination, and balance.

Limbic System

A group of structures in the brain involved in emotions, memory, and motivation.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that fire both when an action is performed and when it is observed, important for understanding others' actions.

Peripheral Nerves

Nerves that branch out from the spinal cord and carry signals to and from the body's periphery.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements through skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, involving a sensory neuron, interneuron, and motor neuron.

Neuronal Membrane

The lipid bilayer that contains ion channels and receptors, crucial for neuronal signaling.

Neurotransmitter Functions

Different neurotransmitters have various roles, such as excitatory (glutamate) or inhibitory (GABA), influencing neuronal activity.

Biogenic Amines

A class of neurotransmitters that includes dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, derived from amino acids.

Cognitive Function

The set of mental processes that include attention, memory, language, and problem-solving.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell responds to signals received from external stimuli, often involving neurotransmitters.