Neurons

Phrenology

Phrenology

the detailed study of the shape and size of the cranium as a supposed indication of character and mental abilities.

Franz Gall

phrenology; associated development of a trait with growth of its relevant part of the brain (Racism and eugenics)

Gilal Cells

provide structure, insulation, communication and waste transport.

Neurons

provides for transfer of information

Dendrites

Branchlike parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information.

Cell Body (Soma)

the part of a neuron that coordinates information-processing tasks and keeps the cell alive

Nucleus

Control center of the cell

Axon

the extension of a neuron, ending in branching terminal fibers, through which messages pass to other neurons or to muscles or glands

Myelin Sheath

covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses

Terminal Branches

Branched endings of an axon that transmit messages to other neurons

Terminal Buttons

Small knobs at the end of axons that secrete chemicals called neurotransmitters

Synapes

space between neurons

Neurotransmitters

chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons

Acetylcholine

muscle control

Endorphins

pain killers

Serotonin

happy

Dopamine

content

Norepinephrine (Adrenaline)

fighter flight

GABA

too little causes seizures

Glutamate

too much causes seizures

Substance P

pain

Refractory Period

a period of inactivity after a neuron has fired

Depolarization

The process during the action potential when SODIUM (Na) is rushing into the cell causing the interior to become more POSITIVE.

Repolarization

The process during the action potential when POTASSIUM (K) is rushing out the cell causing the interior to become more NEGATIVE.