Neuron Structure Flashcards
What is another name for the cell body?
Soma
What is the soma?
The region that contains the nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum
What occurs in the soma?
Most of protein synthesis
What are dendrites?
Tree-like regions that receive incoming signals
What do dendrites have?
Post synaptic terminals
What do axons convey?
Convey electrical signals known as action potentials
What is a myelin sheath?
An insulating layer that improves the conduction speed of electrical impulses along the axon
What is the synaptic cleft?
A space that separates two neurons and helps nerve impulses pass from one neuron to the other
What are the nodes of ranvier?
A periodic gap in the insulating sheath (myelin) on the axon of certain neurons that serve to facilitate the rapid conduction of nerve impulses
