Neuroscience Lecture Review

Flashcards based on key concepts from a neuroscience lecture covering neuronal structures, types, and functions.

Neuron

The basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system that transmits signals throughout the body.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals and transmit them toward the cell body.

Axon

A long projection of a neuron that conducts impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Axon terminal

The endpoint of an axon where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals to other cells.

Myelin sheath

A protective layer that surrounds the axon and facilitates faster transmission of electrical signals.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath along the axon where action potential occurs, allowing ions to flow in and out.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals released at the axon terminal that transmit signals across synapses to other neurons or effector cells.

Action potential

A rapid change in membrane potential that occurs when a neuron sends information down its axon.

Membrane potential

The difference in electric charge across a cell membrane, crucial for the function of neurons.

Sensory neuron

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

Motor neuron

A type of neuron that carries signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.

Interneuron

A type of neuron that connects sensory and motor neurons and processes information within the central nervous system.

Bipolar neuron

A neuron with two processes (one axon and one dendrite), found in some sensory systems.

Unipolar neuron

A neuron with one process that divides into two branches; commonly found in sensory pathways.

Ligand-gated channels

Ion channels that open or close in response to the binding of a chemical messenger.

Voltage-gated channels

Ion channels that open or close in response to changes in the membrane potential.

Mechanically gated channels

Ion channels that open or close in response to physical deformation of a receptor.