Unit 1.3A - The Neuron and Neural Firing

AP Psychology vocabulary from collegeboard.

Neuron definition

Specialized cells that transmit electrical signals

Neuron function

Carry out most of the brain’s communication

Neuron action

Send messages from the brain to the body and back

Glial Cell definition

The brain’s “support staff”

Glial Cell function

Protect, nourish, and clean up after neurons

Glial Cell action

Maintains the environment for neurons to function properly

Cell Body (Soma) definition

The neuron’s control center.

Cell Body (Soma) function

Houses the nucleus and produces energy for the cell

Dendrites definition

The “listeners” of the neuron

Dendrites function

Receive incoming signals from other neurons

Axon definition

The “talker” of the neuron

Axon function

Sends signals to other neurons or muscles

Myelin Sheath definition

A fatty layer around the axon

Myelin Sheath function

Speeds up electrical signal transmission

Synapse definition

The small gap between neurons where communication happens

Synapse function

Transfers signals using neurotransmitters (chemicals) between neurons

Synapse action

Allows the brain to process complex information by connecting neurons

Neurons in the CNS

Interneurons

What do the neurons in the CNS do?

Process information and control actions

Neurons in the PNS

Sensory neurons and motor neurons

What do the neurons in the PNS do?

Transmit signals to and from the CNS

Reflex Arc definition

An automatic, rapid response to a stimulus