Lecture #1: Neurons

Key Concepts to Understand:

  1. nervous system is made up of different cell types, each performing a unique role
  2. neurons never function in isolation; they are organized into ensembles called neural circuits
  3. neural systems are studied at structural and functional levels using a variety of techniques

Terms to Know:

neurons: specialized cells that contain a soma, axon, and dendrite

glia: “support” cells that are also involved in regulation of neural function

  • do not participate in synaptic interactions or electrical signaling
  • maintain ionic milieu of nerve cells (action potential)
  • modulate rate of nerve signal propagation (myelin sheath)
  • control uptake and metabolism of neurotransmitters
  • provide a scaffold for neural development
  • aid in the recovery from injury

afferent neurons: nerve cells that carry information form the periphery toward the brain/spinal cord (sensory neurons)

efferent neurons: nerve cells that carry information away from the brain/spinal cord (motor neurons)

interneurons: nerve cells that participate only in the local aspects of a circuit

myotatic reflex/knee jerk reflex:

central nervous system:

peripheral nervous system:

ganglia:

nerves:

cortex:

antibody staining:

genetic reporters:

golgi staining:

electrophysiology:

fMRI:

MRI:

CT:

SPECT:

PET: