Neuron and Glia Flashcards

Flashcards covering the anatomy, neurophysiology, and interactions of neurons and glial cells.

Neuron

Excitable cell that constitutes the functional unit of information processing.

Glial Cells

Cells that provide support, protection, nutrition, synaptic modulation, and regulation of the extracellular environment.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron, containing the nucleus and cytoplasm, responsible for metabolic and biosynthetic functions.

Dendrites

Branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and participate in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.

Axon

A singular extension of a neuron specialized for conducting nerve impulses.

Unipolar Neurons

Neurons with a single extension; example: sensory neurons in ganglia.

Bipolar Neurons

Neurons with one dendrite and one axon; example: retinal neurons.

Multipolar Neurons

Neurons with multiple dendrites and one axon; example: motor and cortical neurons.

Anaxonic Neurons

Neurons without a defined axon, frequently found in local circuits.

Membrane Potential

The resting electrical potential across a neuron's membrane, approximately -70 mV, maintained by the sodium-potassium pump and leak channels.

Action Potential

An all-or-nothing response generated in the initial segment of the axon, involving rapid opening of voltage-dependent Na+ channels (depolarization) followed by K+ channels (repolarization).

Astrocytes

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