Neuron Flashcards
Study the parts of a neuron and their functions
Soma
Cell body
Soma function
core of a neuron that contains genetic information, maintains the neuron’s structure, and provides energy
Dendrite function
receive signals from other neurons and the environment, and carry that information to the cell body of a neuron
Cell nucleus function
controls and regulates the activities of the cell (e.g., growth and metabolism) and carries the genes, structures that contain the hereditary information
Neural impulse
an electrical signal that carries information between neurons in the nervous system
Schwann Cells function
They play essential roles in the development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of peripheral nerves (glial cell).
Axon
Axons are specialized to facilitate the propagation of action potentials. They contain ion channels that allow sodium and potassium ions to move across the membrane, generating an electrical impulse. Also crucial role in transmitting electrical impulses (action potentials) throughout the nervous system
Myelin sheath function
Facilitate the rapid and efficient transmission of electrical impulses (action potentials) along the axon
Synapse function
The function of a synapse is to transmit information between neurons. Synapses are tiny gaps between neurons that convert electrical signals into chemical signals, and then back again
Axon terminal function
The axon terminal is the site of neurotransmitter release. The axon terminal is the part of a neuron that converts electrical signals into chemical signals
Action potential (steps)
Resting state, Stimulus, Depolarization, action potential, Repolarization, Hyperpolarization, and resting state
Resting state of neuron
-70mV
Action potential of a neuron
+40mV
How long is the process of an action potential usually?
5ms
What is the purpose of an action potential?
Action potential initiates the chain of events leading to muscle contraction
What is a disease that affects the action potential process?
Huntington disease (a progressive, inherited neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain)- a production of the mutant Huntingtin protein clumps and damages the neuron impairing the ion channels leading to a prolonged neuron activity leading to symptoms like uncontrolled spasms)
Threshold of a neuron
-55mv
