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Lesson 4: The Neuron and Neural Transmission

Terms in this set (35)

Glial Cells
Glial cells outnumber neurons, but are much smaller. They assist neurons by providing structural support, nutrition, and removal of cell wastes; produce myelin sheath.
Characteristics of the Neuron
(1) Cell Body (2) Dendrites (3) Axon
Cell Body (Soma)
Processes nutrients and provides energy for the neuron to function; contains the cell's nucleus.
Dendrites
Multiple short fibers that extend from the neuron's cell body and receive information from other neurons or from sensory preceptors.
Axon
The long, fluid-filled tube that carries (transmits) a neuron's messages to other body areas.
Dendrite Branches
Dendrites with many branches have a greater surface area, which increases the amount of information the neuron can receive.
Action Potential
The action potential is produced by the movement of electrically charged particles, called ions, across the membrane of the axon.
Synaptic Gap
The tiny space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of an adjoining neuron.
Reputake
The process by which neurotransmitter molecules detach from a postsynaptic neuron and are reabsorbed by a presynaptic neuron so they can be recycled and used again.
Neurotransmitters
(1) Acetylcholine (2) Dopamine (3) Serotonin (4) Norepinephrine (5) GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) (6) Endorphins
Acetylcholine
Neurotransmitter that causes muscle contraction and is involved in memory function.
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of bodily movement, thought processes, and rewarding sensations.
Serotonin
Neurotransmitter involved in sleep and emotions.
Norepinephrine
Neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory; also a hormone manufactured by adrenal glands.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
Neurotransmitter that usually communicates an inhibitory message.
Endorphins
Neurotransmitters that regulate pain perceptions; Morphine is a drug similar to endorphins.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Branch of the autonomic nervous system that produces rapid physical arousal in response to perceived emergencies or threats.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Branch of the autonomic nervous system that maintains normal bodily functions and conserves the body's physical resources.
Endocrine Glands
Endocrine glands communicate information from one part of the body to another by secreting messenger chemicals called hormones into the bloodstream.
Medulla
Controls breathing, heartbeat, coughing, sneezing, and other vital life functions.
Cerebellum
Coordinates movement, balance, and posture.
Corpus Callosum
Thick band of axons connecting the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex.
Hippocampus
Plays an important role in the ability to form new memories of events and information.
Hypothalamus
Regulates behaviors related to survival such as eating, drinking, and sexual activity. The hypothalamus produces both neurotransmitters and hormones that directly affect the pituitary gland.
Broca's Area
Located on the left hemisphere, and is known to play a crucial role in speech production.
Primary Motor Cortex
On the frontal lobe, controls voluntary movements.
Frontal Lobe
Involved in planning, initiating, and executing involuntary movements.
Somatosensory Cortex
On parietal lobe, receives information from touch receptors in different parts of the body.
Parietal Lobe
Involved in processing bodily (somatosnesory) information, including touch, temperature, pressure, and information from muscles and joints.
Primary Visual Cortex
On the occipital lobe, processes visual information.
Occipital Lobe
Where visual information is received.
Primary Auditory Cortex
On the temporal lobe, processes auditory information.
Temporal Lobe
Where auditory information is received.
Functional Plasticity
The brain's ability to shift functions from damaged to undamaged brain areas.
Verbally Name the Object
Tracy is a split-brain patient seated in front of a screen. As she focuses on the middle of the screen, the image of a fork is briefly flashed on the RIGHT side of the screen. Tracy will be able to verbally name the object.
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