neuron-vocab

Question 1

cell specialized to receive and transmit information to other cells in the body

Answer 1

neuron

Question 2

a nerve cell that carries messages toward the central nervous system from sesne receptors

Answer 2

sensory neurons

Question 3

a nerve cell that carries messagess away from the central nervous system toward the muscles and glands

Answer 3

motor neuron

Question 4

a nerve cell that relays messages between nerve cells, especially in the brain and spinal cord

Answer 4

interneuron

Question 5

branched fiber that extends outward from the cell body and carries inforamtion into the neuron

Answer 5

dendrite

Question 6

the electrical charge of the axon in its inactive state, when the neuron is ready to “fire”

Answer 6

resting potential

Question 7

the nerve impulse caused by a change in the eletrical charge across the cell membrane of the axon. when the neuron “fires”, this charge travels down the axon and causes neurotransmitters to be released by the terminal buttons

Answer 7

action potential

Question 8

refers to the fact that the action potential in the axon occurs either completely or not at all

Answer 8

all-or-none principle

Question 9

the microscopic gap that serves as a communications link between neurons.

Answer 9

synapse

Question 10

chemical messenger that relays messages across the synapse

Answer 10

neurotransmitter

Question 11

the process by which unused neurotransmitters are drawn back into the vesicles of their originating neuron

Answer 11

reuptake