2.1.3 Study Neurons

Synapse:

• the synapse is the space in between two neurons during the synaptic reactions (giving + receiving)

• The synapse is the small gap or space between two neurons where communication happens. It plays a key role in passing signals from one neuron (the sending neuron) to another (the receiving neuron) during synaptic reactions. This is where neurotransmitters are released, travel across the gap, and bind to receptors on the receiving neuron to continue the message.

  
  

  
  

Action Potential

• The part of a nerve cell that is currently going through action

• The part of a nerve cell currently experiencing an action potential is the segment where an electrical signal is actively traveling. This occurs when the nerve cell's membrane temporarily changes its electrical charge, allowing ions to flow in and out. This process transmits information rapidly along the nerve cell to communicate with other cells in the body.

  
  

Axon

• Axons are like long wire on nerve cells that send messages to other cells when the message reaches the end of an axon, it crosses a gap to reach the next neuro. (controls everything through your body; movement, sensory)

  
  

Axon Terminal

• The axon terminal is the very end of an axon, the long part of a nerve cell. It’s where the nerve signal reaches its destination. At the terminal the electrical signal turns chemical. They cross the first synapse (presynaptic cleft) to the next (post synaptic cleft) and on. Then it passes this information to the brain

  
  

Vesicles

• The vesicles are small cellular containers, that transport materials that nerves need

• Vesicles are tiny, bubble-like containers found inside cells, specifically designed to transport important materials that nerve cells need to function properly. These materials can include neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers used to communicate signals between nerve cells. Vesicles protect these substances and ensure they are delivered to the right place at the right time, playing a crucial role in the nervous system's ability to send and receive messages efficiently.

  
  

Neurotransmitters

• Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow neurons to communicate with each other throughout the body

• Neurotransmitters are special chemicals that help neurons, the cells in your brain and nervous system, communicate with each other. They act as messengers, carrying signals from one neuron to another across tiny gaps called synapses. These signals control many functions in the body, like movement, mood, and even breathing. By releasing and receiving neurotransmitters, neurons work together to keep the body and brain connected and functioning smoothly.

  
  

Dentries

• Dentries are branch-like parts of a neuron (nerve cell) that receive signals from other neurons in the synapse. Thye pass these signals to the main part of the cell, helping the neuron communicate.

  
  

Receptors

• Receptors in a synapse are "locks" that catch chemical "keys" to send messages between nerve cells.

• Receptors in a synapse are like tiny "locks" on a nerve cell that catch special chemical "keys" called neurotransmitters. When the right key fits into the lock, it sends a signal to the nerve cell, telling it what to do. This is how messages travel in your brain and body!

Resting Membrane Potential

• All channels are Closed (protein channels, and potassium channels)

• Only potassium can go through their matching channel

• Only sodium can go through its matching channel too

• ATP; energy is used in the pump, MANDATORY

• k+ is potassium

• Na+ is sodium

• During this time there is more potassium inside and Sodium outside

Membrane Potential Line Graph

• threshold: the first move

• depolarizing: the more positive movements (think destressing) (depolarizing-de-stressing, more positive)

• Resting potential: resting position (thing laying at rest)

• Rember: More - than + OUTSIDE the cell.

Look at sensory Neuron page:

• Cell membrane: the plasma membrane that surrounds the cell body'

• Cell body: the central part of a neuron, housing the nucleus and serving as the main structural component of gray matter.

• Nucleus: the organelle found in all eukaryotic cells that contain all of the chromosomal DNA of the cell

• Dendrites: branching extensions of a neuron that carry signals toward the cell body.

• Schwann Cell: The cell that produces the myelin sheath

• Axon: a long extension of a nerve cell that typically carries impulses away from the cell body.

• Axon Terminals: the endings of axons; the location where axons make contact with other nerve or effectors

• Myelin sheath: In a neuron, the myelin sheath is an insulating layer made of cell membranes from Schwann cells. It is interrupted by gaps called Nodes of Ranvier.

• Nodes of Ranvier: the gap in the myelin sheath of nerve cells found between neighboring schwann cells

Neuron Forms Comparison Chart

Neuron Form	Sketch	Location	Abundance	Microscopy
multipolar	multi-ended	CNS + Efferent PNS	The most common form of neurons Made up of the majority of types	There are three or more ends that come from the cell body
Bipolar		Specialized sensory neurons transmit sensory information and are found in the CNS, while bipolar neurons can be found in both the CNS and PNS.	Relatively Rare to see	Two extensions , axion and one dendrite
Pseudounipolar		CNS and towards the neuron. Fairly common	Common in invertebrates but rame in vertebrates	Students will not have a microscope drawing for pseudounipolar
Unipolar		The sensory division of the PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)	Common in invertebrates but rare in animals like humans