Neurons and Neural Communication

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to neurons and neural communication as discussed in the lecture.

Neuron

A specialized cell that transmits nerve impulses; includes structural elements like axons and dendrites.

Axon

A long projection from a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.

Soma (Cell Body)

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and supports the cell's metabolic functions.

Axon Terminals (Terminal Boutons)

End structures of axons that release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons and speeds up neural transmission.

Resting Potential

The state of a neuron when it is not firing, typically around -70 mV.

Depolarization

The process of reducing the membrane potential (voltage) of a neuron, moving it closer to zero.

Hyperpolarization

The process of increasing the membrane potential of a neuron, making it more negative.

Action Potential

A rapid and temporary change in a neuron's membrane potential that occurs when the neuron fires.

Ions

Charged particles (positive or negative) that move across the neuron's membrane during action potentials.

Synapse

The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released from neurons that transmit signals across synapses.

Excitatory Neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that causes depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane and promotes an action potential.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that causes hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane and prevents an action potential.

All or None Law

A principle stating that an action potential occurs fully or not at all, regardless of the strength of the stimulus.

Graded Potentials

Small changes in membrane potential that can summate to trigger an action potential.

Neural Communication

The process by which neurons send signals to one another, involving both electrical impulses and chemical transmission.

Voltage

A measure of electric potential difference; in neurons, it reflects the distribution of ions.

Synaptic Vesicles

Membrane-bound sacs within axon terminals that contain neurotransmitters.

Presynaptic Neuron

The neuron that releases neurotransmitters into the synapse.

Postsynaptic Neuron

The neuron that receives neurotransmitters from the synapse.