Parts of Neuron Flashcards
axon
fiber attached to soma
carries messages to other cells
dendrite
part of neuron that receives messages from other cells
soma
cell body
contains nucleus and keeps entire cell alive and functioning
myelin sheath
a layer of fatty substances that wrap around the axon shafts forming an insulating and protective sheath
speeds up neural message travelling down axon
neurotransmitters
inside neurons, transmit messages
synaptic cleft
between axon terminal and dendrite of other neuron is fluid filled space
receptor sites
glia cells
structure on which neurons develop and function
hold neurons in place
get nutrients to neurons
clean up remains of dead or damaged neurons
communicate with neurons and other glial cells
provide insulation for neurons
possible role in depression and schizophrenia
synapse
space where two neurons meet
permits neuron to pass chemical signal to other neuron
receptor sites
proteins that allow only particular molecules of a certain shape to fit into it
molecules of neurotransmitter cross synaptic ago to fit into receptor sites
presynaptic neurons and postsynaptic neurons
pre is the one that’s transmitting the neurotransmitter
post is one that’s receiving neurotransmitter
axon terminals
end of axon branches out into several shorter fibers that have swellings on end
responsible for communicating with other nerve cells
neuron
specialized cell in nervous system that receives and sends messages within that system
terminal buttons
The Terminal Buttons of a neuron are the small knobs at the end of an axon that release chemicals called neurotransmitters. The terminal buttons form the Presynaptic Neuron of the synapse.
