biol 3410 11/14 lec

EPSP

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential; a positive change in membrane potential that increases the likelihood of a postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

IPSP

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential; a negative change in membrane potential that decreases the likelihood of a postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

Spatial Summation

The process by which multiple presynaptic neurons fire simultaneously to produce a larger postsynaptic response.

Temporal Summation

The process by which a single presynaptic neuron fires multiple times in quick succession to produce a larger postsynaptic response.

Action Potential

A rapid and significant change in membrane potential that propagates along an axon, typically initiated when a threshold potential is reached.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges surrounding the spinal cord and brain.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, located between the dura mater and pia mater.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges, directly covering the spinal cord and brain.

Cauda Equina

A bundle of spinal nerves and roots located in the lower part of the vertebral column, resembling a horse's tail.

Patellar Reflex

A monosynaptic reflex that involves tapping the patellar tendon, causing an involuntary kick of the leg due to muscle spindle activation.

Monosynaptic Reflex Arc

A reflex arc that involves one synapse between a sensory and a motor neuron.

Polysynaptic Reflex Arc

A reflex arc that involves one or more interneurons between the sensory and motor neurons.

Ipsilateral Reflex

A reflex that occurs on the same side of the body as the stimulus.

Contralateral Reflex

A reflex that involves a response on the opposite side of the body from the stimulus.

Interneuron

A neuron that connects sensory and motor pathways in the spinal cord, often serving as a relay point.

Decremental conduction

The decrease in amplitude of electrical signals as they travel along an axon or membrane.

Dermatome

An area of skin that is mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve root.

Electrophysiology

The study of the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues.

Neurotransmitter

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

Motor neuron

A neuron that carries signals from the central nervous system to effectors such as muscles or glands.

Sensory neuron

A neuron that carries signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.