2.01 Flashcards
Nervous System
An extensive network of specialized cells that carries information to and from all parts of the body
The nervous system is the body’s messaging system.
Neuroscience
A branch of the life sciences that deals with the structure and function of neurons, nerves, and nervous tissue.
The study of the nervous system.
Biological Psychology (Behavioral Neuroscience)
Branch of neuroscience that focuses on the biological bases of psychological processes, behavior, and learning.
This is the study of how the nervous system creates thinking and actions.
Neuron
The basic cell that makes up the nervous system and that receives and sends messages within that system.
The main cell of the nervous system. Finger tips to shoulders.
Dendrites
Branching fibers or extensions of the neuron that receives information from sensory receptors or other neurons. Also conducts impulses toward the soma.
fingers
Soma (also know as the cell body)
Central area of the neuron that contains the nucleus and other structures common to all cells such as mitochondria. It tells the neuron whether or not to fire.
Hands
Axon
Single, long fiber that extends from the soma to the terminal buttons. Information passes down the axon to other neurons or gland cells. (Bundles of axons coming from many neurons are what we call nerves.)
Arm
- Axon Terminals (also known as terminal buttons, synaptic knobs, or axon buds)
The branches at the end of the axon, which contain the neurotransmitters, release them, and send them across the synapse.
Shoulder
Glial Cells
Cells that provide support for the neurons to grow on and around, deliver nutrients to neurons, produce myelin to coat axons, clean up waste products and dead neurons, influence information processing, and, during prenatal development, influence the generation of new neurons.
Helper cells to the neurons that take care of them.
Myelin Sheath
Layer of fatty tissue (lipids) that insulates and protects the axon, and speed up neural impulses.
Hairs on arm
Nerves
Bundles of axons coated in myelin that travel together through the body.
Vesicles
Small, bubbly sacs located inside the terminal buttons that house the neurotransmitters and suck up excess neurotransmitters during the process of reuptake.
Armpits and sweat
- Synapse (also known as the synaptic gap or synaptic cleft)
The space between each neuron. Remember: Neurons never touch.
Head and space between both shoulder (Terminal Buttons)
Nodes of Ranvier
Gaps between the myelin sheath where sodium and potassium ions pass through during an action potential. Location where “electrical” conduction takes place.
Space between the hair on arms
