Microanatomy Flashcards
What is the soma?
Core region of the neuron that processes information (body).
What are the dendrites?
Branching extensions that receive information.
amount of dendrites=…
amount of incoming information
What are dendritic spines?
Protrusion form a dendrite that serves as a point of contact with other axons.
What are the axons?
White matter axle that carries information to other neurons.
What is myelin sheath?
Fatty substance that insulates axons. Helps signal further, faster and stronger. Only present on the axons.
What is the axon hillock?
The point of which the axon leaves the soma.
What are axon collaterals?
The point at which the axon branches out. Allows message to be sent in multiple directions simultaneoulsy.
What are terminal buttons?
Buttons at the end of neuron that stops extremely close to other neurons.
What is the synapse?
Junction between one neuron and the other. Space between dendritic spine and terminal button.
What are the two cell types?
- Neurons
- Glia Cells
What do neurons do?
Carry out the brain’s major functions.
What glia cells do?
Aid and modulate the activity of neurons. Maintenance, nourishment, metabolism, synthesis & clean-up.
What are the types of neurons?
- Sensory neurons
- Interneurons
- Motor neurons
What do sensory neurons do?
Transmit sensory information.
