Week 2 flashcards

Neurophysiology

The study of the physiology of the nervous system.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits electrical signals in the body.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

Ion Channel

Proteins that allow ions to pass in and out of cells.

Resting Potential

The electrical potential across the neuronal membrane when it is not actively sending signals.

Nerve Action

The transmission of electrical signals along a nerve.

Graded Potentials

Changes in membrane potential that vary in size and can lead to action potentials.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in membrane potential that propagates along the axon.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A membrane protein that pumps sodium ions out of and potassium ions into a cell.

Tetrodotoxin

A toxin that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, leading to paralysis.

EPSP (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential)

A small depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane that makes the neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

IPSP (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential)

A small hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane that makes the neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

Ligands

Molecules that bind to receptors to activate or block them.

Voltage-Gated Channels

Channels that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential.

Refractory Period

A period following an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire another action potential.

Saltatory Conduction

The process by which action potentials jump from one Node of Ranvier to another along myelinated axons.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers released from neurons that transmit signals across synapses.

Calcium Channels

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

Synaptic Vesicles

Small membrane-bound structures that store neurotransmitters before their release.

Presynaptic Neuron

The neuron that releases neurotransmitters into the synapse.

Postsynaptic Neuron

The neuron that receives neurotransmitters from the synapse.

Hippocampus

A region of the brain associated with memory and spatial navigation.

Neuromuscular Junction

The synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)

An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.

Neurotransmitter Reuptake

The process of absorbing neurotransmitters back into the presynaptic neuron.

Myelin Sheath

An insulating layer around nerves that increases the speed of signal transmission.

Absolute Refractory Period

A period during which a neuron cannot fire another action potential no matter how strong the stimulus.

Relative Refractory Period

A period during which a neuron can fire another action potential only with a stronger-than-normal stimulus.

Focal Seizure

A seizure that begins in one localized area of the brain.

Tonic-Clonic Seizure

A type of generalized seizure characterized by muscle rigidity and jerking.

Absence Seizure

A brief loss of consciousness without muscle spasms.

Myoclonic Seizure

A seizure that consists of rapid muscle jerking on both sides of the body.

Receptor Plasticity

The ability of neuronal receptors to change in number and sensitivity.

Endogenous Ligands

Ligands that are produced naturally in the body, such as neurotransmitters.

Exogenous Ligands

Substances that come from outside the body, such as drugs and toxins.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A recording of brain activity used to diagnose seizures and other conditions.

Calcium Ion (Ca2+)

An essential ion that plays a critical role in neurotransmitter release at synapses.

Potassium Ion (K+)

An ion that contributes to resting membrane potential and action potential repolarization.

Sodium Ion (Na+)

An ion that plays a key role in depolarization during action potentials.

Chloride Ion (Cl-)

An ion that can cause inhibitory postsynaptic potentials when it enters the neuron.

Glioma

A type of brain tumor arising from glial cells.

Long-term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation.

Neural Plasticity

The ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to experience or injury.

Neuroscience

The scientific study of the nervous system.

Neural Pathways

Series of connected neurons that communicate with each other to process information.

Rehabilitation

Therapy intended to restore function and improve quality of life after nerve damage.

Chemotherapy-induced Neuropathy

Nerve damage caused by certain cancer treatments, leading to pain and sensitivity.

Possible Seizure Triggers

Factors that can lead to the onset of a seizure, such as flickering lights or stress.

Neurodiversity

The concept that neurological differences are to be recognized and respected as any other human variation.

Neurotransmitter Receptors

Proteins on the postsynaptic neuron membrane that bind neurotransmitters.

Chronic Pain

Pain that lasts for a long period, often due to nerve damage or dysfunction.

Glial Cells

Non-neuronal cells that support and protect neurons in the nervous system.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons in the brain.

Dendrites

Extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon Terminals

The endpoint of the axon where neurotransmitters are released.

Spinal Cord Reflexes

Automatic responses to stimuli processed at the spinal cord level.

Plasticity

The ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experiences.

Neuropathic Pain

Pain caused by damage to the nervous system, often described as a burning or stabbing sensation.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary muscle control.