Definitions Flashcards
(23 cards)
Dendrite
The component of a Neuron that receives information and sends it to the cell body
Nucleus
A group of cell bodies
Tract
A bundle of axons
Grey matter
A group of cell bodies in the CNS
White matter
A bundle of axons in the CNS
Ganglion
A group of Cell bodies in the PNS
Nerve
Bundle of axons in the PNS
Astrocyte
A Glia in the CNS that supplies nutrients to neurons, Ensheaths blood capillaries, and transmit information
Microglia
Immune cells of the CNS that engulf microorganisms and debris
Ependymal Cell
A Glia cell of the CNS that lines fluid-filled spaces of the brain and spinal cord such as the ventricular system. They have Cilia to circulate CSF
Oligodendrocytes
Support nerve fibres in the CNS by ensheathing them with myelin
Schwann cells
Support nerve fibres in the PNS by ensheathing them with myelin
Node of Ranvier
The gaps between myelin on a neuron axons to increase conduction
Afferent
Information that goes INTO the brain
Efferent
Response that comes OUT OF the brain
Somatic
The stuff we are aware of and have control over
Autonomic
The stuff that we are not aware of nor have control over
Sympathetic
Prepares the body for stress responses “Fight or flight” system
Parasympathetic
Prepares the body for restful situations “Rest and Digest” system
Depolarisation
When the resting membrane potential inside the cell goes above -70mV (becomes more positive)
Repolarisation
When the resting membrane potential of inside the cell becomes more negative and returns to -70mV
Absolute refractory period
Nothing else can happen across the membrane (no more synaptic transmissions) Only one action potential can occur at once
Relative refractory period
The membrane potential is a little more relaxed and so there is a higher chance that another action potential can occur
