dendrites and actions

dendrite

branching extension of neuron

receives information and conducts

soma

contains nucleus and other parts to keep cell healthy

axon terminal branch

endpoint of neuron where neurotransmitters are stored

axon

extenstion of neuron

where neural impulses are sent

neuron

nerve cell

basic building block of nervous system

dendrite bump

contains dendrite, cell body, axon, and synapse

dendrite function within bump

gather chemicals in brain fluid (scoops in)

cell body function within bump

converts chemicals to electrical charge (sizzle)

axon function within bump

transports electrical charge (holds and sizzles)

synapse function within bump

sends chemicals back into brain fluid (pushes forward)

three phases of communication within neuron

actions potential > refractory period > resting potential

action potential

brief electrical charge that travels down axon of neuron

refractory period

recharge / reload period

resting potential

state of neuron when at rest

capable of generating action potential

all - or - none prinicple

if neuron fires, it always fires at same intensity

all action potentials have same strength