Neuron and Glial Cell Terms

Dendrites

Carry a depolarization wave towards the soma.

Axon

Delivers an action potential to the axon terminal, which causes the release of a neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.

Axon Terminal of Presynaptic Neuron

Deliver neurotransmitters to the postsynaptic neuron, muscle, gland, or organ.

Myelin Sheath of Schwann Cell

Insulates axon and speeds impulse.

Soma

Cell Body

Nissl Bodies

Specialized RER. Involved in protein synthesis.

Node of Ranvier

Noninsulated area of an axon between Schwann cells. This is the only area of ion exchange along a myelinated axon. 

Nucleus

Control center

Axon Hillock

The trigger zone. If a depolarization wave that reaches the area is strong enough, an action potential occurs (nerve impulse).