Chapter 1.1: Neurons

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering basic concepts about neurons, brain structure, glial cells, neural communication, and brain nourishment as presented in the notes.

Dualism

The idea that humans have both a nonmaterial soul and a material body.

Ontogeny

The change in an individual over a lifetime due to genes, nutrition, experiences, and interactions.

Neuron

A nerve cell that receives and transmits information to other cells.

Glia (glial cells)

Helper cells for neurons that support and insulate neural function.

Dendrites

Branching extensions that receive information from other neurons; contain synaptic receptors.

Dendritic spines

Small protrusions on dendrites that increase surface area for synapses.

Soma (cell body)

Central part of the neuron containing the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes; site of metabolism.

Axon

Long fiber that transmits electrical impulses to other neurons, muscles, or glands; often myelinated.

Myelin

Insulating sheath around many axons, produced by glial cells, speeding up transmission.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath that enable saltatory conduction of the action potential.

Presynaptic terminals

Endings of the axon that release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons.

Synapses

where neurons connect and communicate

Afferent (sensory) axon

Carries information INTO a structure from sensory receptors.

Efferent (motor) axon

Carries information OUT of a structure to muscles or glands.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect other neurons within a region or circuit.

Motor neuron

A neuron whose soma is in the spinal cord and that transmits impulses to muscles.

Sensory neuron

Neuron that responds to sensory stimuli such as light or touch.

Astrocyte

A glial cell that helps synchronize neural activity and modulates chemicals at the synapse.

Microglia

Glial cells that remove waste, viruses, and fungi from the brain.

Oligodendrocyte

Glial cell that forms the myelin sheath in the brain and spinal cord.

Schwann cell

Glial cell that forms the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system.

Radial glia

Glial cells that guide neuron migration and axon/dendrite growth during development.

Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB)

A barrier that protects the brain by blocking most chemicals from entering; involves endothelial cells.

Endothelial cells

Cells that line blood vessels and contribute to the BBB by restricting molecule passage.

Active transport

A protein-mediated process that uses energy to move substances from blood into the brain.

Glucose

Primary energy source for neurons.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Vitamin required to utilize glucose in brain metabolism.

Korsakoff’s syndrome

Memory impairment caused by thiamine deficiency.

Nerve impulse

The electrical signal transmitted along the axon of a neuron.