Biological Basis of Behavior: Neurons and Communication

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, function, and physiological communication processes of neurons based on the lecture transcript.

Neurons

Individual cells in the nervous system that receive, integrate, and transmit information from different parts of the brain to other areas of the brain and spinal cord.

Neurons (con’t)

We have about 86 billion neurons, and different neurons do different things (neurotransmitters)

Soma (nucleus)

The cell body of the neuron.

Dendrites

The arms of the neuron that receive communication from other neurons.

Axon

A long structure that gives length to the neuron and carries information away from the cell body.

Axon Terminal

The end of the axon that communicates information to other postsynaptic neurons.

Myelin Sheath

A type of glial cell that insulates the axon to speed up communication and allow for faster reflexes.

Synapse

The junctions where information is transmitted from one neuron to the next; there are approximately $100$ trillion of these connections in the human brain.

Synaptic connections

They’re important for learning, and they change in number over time as life goes

Glial Cells

Cells that support neurons by providing nutrients, structure, insulation, and protection

e.g. Forming the blood-brain barrier.

Blood-brain Barrier

A filter formed by glial cells that prevents foreign materials from entering the brain or cerebral spinal fluid.

Resting Potential

The negative charge associated with a neuron at rest, approximately $-70\,mV$

Resting Potential (con’t)

Is caused by an unequal distribution of potassium ($K^+$), sodium ($Na^+$), and chloride ($Cl^-$) ions.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A mechanism in the cell membrane that maintains the resting potential by sending $3$ sodium ions out for every potassium ion allowed in.

Action Potential

A rapid, brief reversal of electrical charge across the membrane, shifting from $-70\,mV$ to $+30\,mV$, which creates depolarization along the entire axon.

Depolarization

A change in electrical charge that triggers a chain-like effect along the axon toward the axon terminal during an action potential.

Absolute Refractory Period

The minimum length of time after an action potential during which another action potential cannot begin, allowing the cell to restore itself.

Microglia

A specific type of glial cell mentioned for its role in producing toxins that can lead to disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

The different types of neural connections

1. Within the neuron

2. Between neurons