Neuroscience functional microanatomy​

Neurons

Cells that are the primary processors of neural signals in the central nervous system.

Neuroglial cells

Cells that support the electrical and chemical function of neurons in the central nervous system.

Vascular endothelium cells

Cells found in brain tissue that support the constant blood supply needed for the brain.

Cell body

The part of a neuron that contains essential organelles, including the nucleus, common to other somatic cells.

Dendrites

Protoplasmic extensions from the cell body that receive inputs from other neurons and increase the surface area for synaptic contacts.

Axon

A protoplasmic extension that generates electrical signals and propagates action potentials from the cell body towards the terminal ending.

Synapses

Specialized contacts at the end of axons that allow neurons to transfer signals to one another, either through electrical or chemical means.

Gray matter

The region in neural tissue where cell bodies and dendrites of neurons are concentrated, forming the input zone of many neurons in parallel.

Grey Matter

Area of the nervous system where cell bodies, dendrites, and synaptic connections of neurons are found.

White Matter

Area of the nervous system consisting of axons and glial cells, particularly oligodendrocytes, responsible for insulation.

Vascular Supply

Nutrients supplied to both grey matter and white matter through vascular endothelial cells.

Pyramidal Neurons

Neurons found in the cerebral cortex with a pyramid-shaped cell body, apical dendrite, basal dendrites, and axon for signal propagation.

Projection Neurons

Neurons that send axons over considerable distances, exciting their synaptic partners and potentially activating local cells.

Interneurons

Neurons that send axons over shorter distances, acting as local circuit neurons within the gray matter.

Afferent Neurons

Neurons that carry signals towards the central nervous system.

Efferent Neurons

Neurons that carry signals away from the central nervous system.

Spinal Cord Circuit

Illustration of the knee jerk reflex involving sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons in the spinal cord.

Synaptic Boutons

Points of synaptic contact along axons, facilitating communication between neurons.