1.1 neuroanatomy

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in neuroanatomy based on the lecture notes.

Neuron

A specialized cell in the nervous system responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that perform various functions, distinct from neurons.

Synapse

The connection point between an axon terminal and another neuron where neurotransmitters are released.

Dendrites

The input region of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.

Soma (Cell Body)

The part of a neuron that integrates information and houses the nucleus and other organelles.

Axon

A long projection from the soma that transmits electrical signals away from the neuron.

Action Potential

An electrical signal generated at the axon hillock that propagates down the axon.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released at synapses that transmit signals from one neuron to another.

Presynaptic Membrane

The part of the axon terminal where neurotransmitters are released.

Postsynaptic Membrane

The part of the target neuron that contains receptors for neurotransmitters.

Transcription

The process of copying DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of using mRNA to synthesize proteins.

Synaptic Vesicles

Structures in the axon terminals that contain neurotransmitters before their release.

Ion Concentration Gradient

A difference in ion concentration across a membrane that contributes to electrical potential in neurons.

Golgi Stain

A histological stain used to visualize the structure of neurons, allowing for the identification of individual neurons.

Neuron Doctrine

The concept that the nervous system is composed of individual neurons as the basic building blocks.