Lecture Notes: Neurons and Neural Communication (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms and concepts about neuron structure and neural communication from the notes.

Neuron

A nerve cell that communicates with other neurons through electrical and chemical signals in neural networks.

Brain neuron count

Approximately 86 billion neurons in the human brain.

Axon

The long projection through which an electrical signal travels to transmit information.

Dendrite

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

Soma (cell body)

The central part of the neuron containing the nucleus; processes signals.

Action potential

The electrical impulse fired by a neuron that travels along the axon.

Axon terminal

The end of the axon where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with the next neuron.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical signals released at the axon terminal to transmit signals to other neurons.

Membrane

The neuron's cell membrane through which ions move to propagate signals.

Ions

Charged particles that move across the membrane to generate electrical signals.