Neural Communication Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards about neural communication and action potential

Synaptic Cleft

The space in between each neuron

Synapse

The end of neuron 1 (presynapse), the space, and the start of neuron 2 (postsynapse)

Cell Membrane

Structure that divides inside from outside of a cell, like skin

Ions

Charged particles, either positive or negative

Selective Permeability

Some ions can pass through the membrane more easily than others; membrane has channels that can open or close to let some ions in and keep others out

Voltage-Gated Channel

Opens in response to membrane charge

Ligand-Gated Channel

Opens in response to chemicals bonding to membrane

Polarization

Difference in charge between inside and outside of a cell

Resting Potential

Difference in charge (polarization) when neuron is not firing

Electrical Gradient

Distribution of charge, more positive outside

Concentration Gradient

Distributions of ions, more Na+ outside

Sodium-Potassium Pump

Maintains polarization by transporting 3 sodium ions out while transporting 2 potassium ions in

Axon Hillock

The point at which an action potential starts.

Threshold of Excitation

When hyper- and depolarizations in dendrites and soma reach -55 mv

All or None Law

The magnitude and velocity of the AP (action potential) will always be the same

Refractory Period

Period of time when neuron is resistant to new action potentials

Synaptic Cleft

Gap between one neuron and the next

Pre-Synaptic Neuron

First (sending) neuron

Post-Synaptic Neuron

Second (receiving) neuron

Synapse

The _______ includes the pre-synaptic neuron, synaptic cleft, and post-synaptic neuron.

EPSP

Excitatory postsynaptic potential

IPSP

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential

Temporal Summation

When a series of stimuli happen so close together in time they have a cumulative effect

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that do the exciting/inhibiting

Dopamine and Norepinephrine

Immediate and are ionatropic effects.

Dopamine and Norepinephrine

Delayed but longer lasting, are metabotropic effects.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials occur.