Components of a Neuron and Reflex Arcs

Flashcards covering the primary components of neurons, synapse types, and reflex arcs.

Neuron

A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system.

Dendrites

Extensions of the neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Cell body

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles.

Axon

The long projection of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Axon hillock

The area of the neuron where the axon begins and action potentials are generated.

Myelin sheath

An insulating layer that surrounds the axon and increases the speed of impulse transmission.

Oligodendrocytes

Cells that form the myelin sheath in the central nervous system.

Schwann cells

Cells that form the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system.

Node of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated.

Telodendria

Branches of the axon that lead to axon terminals.

Synapse

The junction between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another.

Chemical synapse

A type of synapse where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other neurons.

Electrical synapse

A type of synapse that allows direct electrical communication between neurons.

Reflex arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Sensory receptor

A structure that detects changes in the environment and converts them into electrical signals.

Integration center

The part of the nervous system where sensory information is processed and a response is initiated.

Effector

A muscle or gland that responds to a neural stimulus.

Afferent neuron

A neuron that carries sensory information to the central nervous system.

Efferent neuron

A neuron that transmits motor commands from the central nervous system to the effectors.

Interneuron

A neuron that connects sensory and motor pathways in the central nervous system.