Neurophysiology

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Ion

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Atoms or molecules that bear a net charge due to an unequal number of protons and electrons.

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Cation

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Positively charged ions.

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45 Terms

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Ion

Atoms or molecules that bear a net charge due to an unequal number of protons and electrons.

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Cation

Positively charged ions.

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Anion

Negatively charged ions.

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Current

The flow of electric charge, similar to the flow of water through pipes.

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Voltage or Potential Difference

The separation of positive and negative electrical charges.

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Resting Membrane Potential

The transmembrane potential of a resting neuron, typically around -70 mV.

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Transmembrane Potential

The electrical potential difference across the cell membrane.

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Graded Potential

A local change in membrane potential that can vary in strength depending on the strength of the stimulus.

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Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in membrane potential that carries an electrical signal along a neuron.

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Refractory Period

The time following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to fire another action potential.

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Absolute Refractory Period

The period during which no action potential can be generated, regardless of stimulus strength.

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Relative Refractory Period

The period during which a stronger stimulus than usual is required to generate an action potential.

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Synapse

The specialized site of contact between two neurons or a neuron and an effector that allows one-way flow of neural impulses.

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Neuromuscular Junction

The synapse between a neuron and a muscle cell.

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Neuroglandular Junction

The synapse between a neuron and a gland.

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Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

A postsynaptic potential that makes a neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

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Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)

A postsynaptic potential that makes a neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

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Presynaptic Inhibition

The process by which one neuron decreases the amount of neurotransmitter released by another neuron.

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Presynaptic Facilitation

The process by which one neuron enhances the effect of another neuron.

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Neurotransmitter

Chemicals released by neurons that transmit signals across synapses.

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Neuromodulator

A chemical that modifies the effect of neurotransmitters.

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Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter that can have either excitatory or inhibitory effects depending on the target tissue.

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Norepinephrine (NE)

A neurotransmitter that can also have excitatory or inhibitory effects depending on where it binds.

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Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation, and deficiencies are linked to Parkinson’s disease.

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Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, and low levels are linked to depression.

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Calcium Channels

Channels that allow calcium ions to enter the neuron, triggering the release of neurotransmitters.

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Graded

Describes potentials that vary in size, depending on the strength of the stimulus.

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Decremental

Describes how the signal loses strength as it travels further from the site of stimulation.

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Reversible

Describes potential changes that can return to resting state after removal of the stimulus.

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All-or-none Rule

A principle stating that a neuron either fires an action potential at full strength or not at all.

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Neural Coding

The process by which the nervous system converts information into patterns of action potentials.

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Temporal Summation

The addition of stimuli close in time at a single synapse.

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Spatial Summation

The addition of postsynaptic potentials from multiple synapses.

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Resting Membrane Potential

The electrical potential difference across the membrane of a neuron at rest.

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Hyperpolarization

An increase in the membrane potential that makes the inside of the cell more negative.

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Depolarization

A decrease in membrane potential towards zero, making the inside of the cell more positive.

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Sodium-Potassium Pump (Na+-K+ ATPase)

A pump that moves sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell to maintain resting membrane potential.

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Vesicles

Structures containing neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft during neurotransmission.

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Exocytosis

The process by which neurotransmitters are released from vesicles into the synaptic cleft.

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Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)

An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.

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Sodium Channels

Voltage-gated channels that allow sodium ions to enter the neuron, critical in action potentials.

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Chloride Channels

Channels that when open, allow chloride ions to enter the neuron, contributing to inhibitory signals.

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Ion Gradients

Differences in the concentration of ions across the neuron's membrane, crucial for action potentials.

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Electrical Gradient

A difference in charge across a membrane that influences the flow of ions.

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Chemical Gradient

A difference in the concentration of a chemical between two areas which influences how ions move.