Neuroscience: Key Terms and Concepts in Neuron Function

the control center

nucleus

houses the nucleus

cell body/soma

receive messages from other cells

Dendrites

conducts action potentials

axon

fatty tissue that surrounds and protects the axon

myelin sheath

provides structural support to neurons

glial cells

a series of quick changes in voltage across cell membrane

action potential

static electrical potential difference across plasma membrane

resting potential

After a neuron sends a message, it needs a short break before it can send another one.

refractory

neuron fires at full amplitude or not at all

all-or-none potential

tiny space between two neurons

synatic gap

After one nerve cell sends a chemical message to another cell, some of the extra chemicals are taken back

reuptake

Causes next cell to fire

excitatory

causes a neuron less likely to fire

inhibatory