Biol 216 - The Neuron Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the neuron and its functions in the nervous system, facilitating effective review for the exam.

Neuron

A cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information via electrochemical signals.

Afferent Neurons

Sensory neurons that carry information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (CNS).

Efferent Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands; they carry out the response.

Interneurons

Neurons that integrate information and formulate responses within the central nervous system.

Action Potential

An electro-chemical signal produced by the movement of ions across the neuron's membrane that transmits a signal along the neuron.

Synapse

The junction between the axon terminal of one neuron and the receptor of another; where neurotransmitter diffusion occurs.

Glial Cells (Neuroglia)

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support, protection, and nutrition to neurons.

Resting Membrane Potential

The voltage difference across a neuron's membrane when it is not actively transmitting a signal, typically around -70mV.

Nernst Equation

An equation that calculates the equilibrium potential for an ion across a membrane based on the concentration gradient.

Goldman Equation

An equation used to predict the membrane potential when the membrane is permeable to more than one type of ion.

Membrane Potential

The electrical potential difference across a cell membrane due to the distribution of ions.

Node of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath of an axon that facilitate the rapid conduction of action potentials.

Pacinian Corpuscle

A type of sensory receptor that detects vibrations and pressure.

Electrochemical Gradient

The combined effect of concentration and electrical gradients driving ion movement across a membrane.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons, speeding up the transmission of electrical impulses.

Chemical Synapse

A synapse in which neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.