Neurons and Nervous Tissue

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to neurons and the nervous system, focusing on their structure and function.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses.

Resting membrane potential

The electrical potential difference across the membrane of a resting neuron.

Action potential

A brief reversal of membrane potential that allows neurons to transmit electrical signals.

Axon

Long, thin structure of a neuron that conducts action potentials away from the cell body.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Glial cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist neurons.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells that take up excess neurotransmitters and regulate blood flow.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells in the CNS that wrap around axons to form myelin sheaths.

Schwann cells

Glial cells in the PNS that form myelin sheaths around axons.

Myelin sheath

Insulating layer formed by glial cells around axons, increasing signal transmission speed.

Soma (cell body)

Part of a neuron containing the nucleus and organelles.

Axon hillock

The part of the neuron where action potential is initiated.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.