Neurons and Other Cells

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the structure and function of neurons and the nervous system.

Neuron

The basic unit of the nervous system, electrically active, and releases chemical signals to target cells.

Neuroglia

Supporting cells in the nervous system that perform a variety of functions to aid and protect neurons.

Myasthenia Gravis

A chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by weakness in the voluntary muscles due to disrupted communication between nerves and muscles.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter released by neurons that binds to receptors on muscle cells to trigger muscle contraction.

Neuromuscular Junction

The synapse or junction where axons of motor neurons connect with muscle fibers.

Action Potential

Rapid, large alterations in membrane potential used by neurons to transmit signals.

Resting Membrane Potential

The baseline level of electrical charge in a neuron when it is not transmitting an impulse, typically around -70 mV.

Threshold Potential

The membrane potential that must be reached for an action potential to be initiated.

Refractory Period

The period of time following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to fire another action potential.

Sidedness of the Membrane

The difference in charge across the membrane, resulting from selective permeability and ion pumps.

Nernst Equation

A mathematical equation that calculates the equilibrium potential of ions across a membrane.

Goldmann Equation

An equation that calculates the actual membrane potential by considering multiple ions' concentrations and permeability.

Excitability

The ability of a neuron's membrane to generate action potentials.

Afferent Neuron

A nerve cell that carries sensory information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

Efferent Neuron

A motor neuron that transmits signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, involving sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.

Voltage-Gated Channels

Ion channels that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential, playing crucial roles in action potentials.

Chemical Synapse

The junction between two neurons, where neurotransmitters are released to communicate.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.