Regeneration of Nerve Fibres and Neuronal Integration

These flashcards cover key concepts related to nerve fiber regeneration, synapses, neuronal communication, and the influences of drugs and conditions on these processes.

Scwhann cells

Specialized cells that form a regeneration tube in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to guide regeneration of cut axons.

Oligodendrocytes

Cells that myelinate central nervous system (CNS) axons and inhibit the regeneration of cut central axons.

Synapse

A junction between two neurons that allows for the transmission of signals.

Presynaptic neuron

Neuron that conducts action potential toward the synapse.

Postsynaptic neuron

Neuron whose action potentials are propagated away from the synapse.

Synaptic cleft

The space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.

IPSPs (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials)

Changes in the postsynaptic neuron that make it less likely to fire an action potential.

EPSPs (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials)

Changes in the postsynaptic neuron that make it more likely to fire an action potential.

Temporal summation

The summation of several EPSPs occurring close together in time due to the successive firing of a single presynaptic neuron.

Spatial summation

The summation of EPSPs originating simultaneously from multiple presynaptic neurons.

Threshold potential

The level needed to trigger an action potential; lowest at the axon hillock.

Neuropeptides

Large molecules consisting of 2 to 40 amino acids that act as neuromodulators.

Presynaptic inhibition

A process where one neuron reduces the amount of neurotransmitter released by another neuron.

Facilitation

The increase in the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse.

Convergence

A configuration where many neurons synapse onto a single neuron.

Divergence

A configuration where a single neuron synapses with and influences many other neurons.

Resting membrane potential

The highly regulated voltage across the membrane of a resting neuron.

Excitatory synapses

Synapses that make the postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Inhibitory synapses

Synapses that make the postsynaptic neuron less likely to fire an action potential.