EXAM#2 Lecture 1

ANPS1190

Neuron Doctrine

Neuron is the main structural and functional unit of the nervous system.

Neurons

The main information processing cell in the nervous system.

Glial Cells

Carry out diverse functions, including providing support for neurons

What are the 4 types of Glial Cells?

1. Astrocytes

2. Microglia

3. Oligodendrocytes

4. Schwann Cells

Dendrite

Information receiving component of a neuron.

Axon

Information transmitting component of the neuron.

Axon Hillock

Initial segment of the axon. This is where an action potential is.

Cell Body

Biosynthetic center of the cell. Contains the nucleus and other organelles. Primary site of protein synthesis in the neuron.

Axon terminal

Contains neurotransmitters

What are the four functional regions of a neuron?

1. Receptive Region

2. Impulse-Generating Region

3. Conducting Region

4. Secretory Region

Receptive Region

Dendrites and cell body receive signals

Impulse-generating region

Action potential is generated at the axon hillock

Conducting Region

Action potential travels down the axon.

Secretory region

Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal into the synapse.

Soma

Cell body.

Dendritic Spines

Tiny extensions on dendrites that increase surface area of plasma membrane; enables cell to receive more inputs

Axonal Transport

The cell body communicates with the axon terminal.

Anterograde Transport

Movement of materials from cell body to axon terminals.

Retrograde Transport

Movement of materials from axon terminals to cell body.

Myelin

Lipid-rich substance that insulates and protects the axon.

Myelination

Increases the speed of electrical impulses traveling along the axon. More myelin=faster electrical signaling.

White matter

Mostly myelinated axon.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Stimulates the "fight or flight" response. (ex. increase heart rate)

Parasympathetic nervous system

Stimulates the "rest and digest" response. (ex. decrease heart rate, increase digestive function)

Afferent

Coming in towards the brain.

Efferent

Going out and away from the brain.

Grey matter

Mostly cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.

Nerve

Collection of axons in the PNS

Tract

Collection of axons in the CNS

Ganglion

A collection of cell bodies in the PNS

Nucleus

A collection of cell bodies in the CNS.