Neuronal Communication Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the role of sensory receptors?
Detect stimuli and initiate impulses
What is a transducer?
Converts stimulus into nerve impulse
What is the structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurones?
Sensory to CNS, relay in CNS, motor to effectors
What is the difference between myelinated and non-myelinated neurones?
Myelinated faster, saltatory conduction
What is resting potential?
-70 mV, maintained by sodium-potassium pump.
How is resting potential maintained?
3 Na⁺ out, 2 K⁺ in.
What is an action potential?
Rapid depolarisation and repolarisation.
How is an action potential generated and transmitted?
Na⁺ influx causes depolarisation, K⁺ out repolarises.
What is the refractory period?
Time when another action potential can’t be generated.
What determines the strength of a stimulus in neurones?
Frequency of impulses.
What is the structure of a synapse?
Presynaptic knob, synaptic cleft, postsynaptic membrane.
What happens during synaptic transmission?
Vesicles release neurotransmitter, binds, opens Na⁺ channels.
What are excitatory and inhibitory synapses?
Excitatory increases, inhibitory decreases chance of AP.
What is the difference between temporal and spatial summation?
Temporal = repeated signals. Spatial = multiple neurones.
