Nervous System and Neurobiology

A collection of flashcards that cover key concepts related to the nervous system, neurobiology, and related behaviors and immune responses.

Neuron

The basic working unit of the nervous system, responsible for receiving and transmitting nerve impulses.

Dendrites

Extensions of a neuron that receive nerve impulses from other neurons.

Axon

The part of a neuron that transmits nerve impulses away from the cell body.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that receive sensory information and convey it to the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system to effectors such as muscles and glands.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons, facilitating communication between them.

Nerve Impulse

An electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron, resulting from depolarization.

Resting Potential

The stable, negative charge of a neuron when not transmitting signals, typically around -70 mV.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in the voltage across a neuron's membrane when it fires, occurring at around -55 mV.

Threshold

The minimum stimulus required to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

Polarization

The state of a neuron's membrane when there is a difference in electrical charge across it.

Repolarization

The process by which a neuron returns to its resting state after depolarization.

Neurotransmitter

Released at synapses to transmit signals between neurons.

Myelin Sheath

A protective covering that surrounds axons, facilitating faster transmission of impulses.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.

Phagocytes

White blood cells that engulf and digest pathogens as part of the immune response.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Innate Behavior

Behavior that is genetically programmed and does not require learning.

Learned Behavior

Behavior that is acquired through experience and is not genetically programmed.