Neurotransmission Flashcards
What are the key structures in a neuron?
- dendrites
- soma
- axon
- terminal boutons
- neuronal membrane
Describe a dendrite
The recipient of information from other neurons, have a large receptive field due to their branch like structure
What is the cell soma?
The body of the cell which control processing in the cell and integrates information
Describe an axon
Carries information (action potentials) from the soma to the terminal boutons connecting to multiple neurons
Describe terminal boutons
They are found at the end of the axon, the communication point of a neuron connecting to multiple neurons
What is the neuronal membrane?
It separates the extracellular and intracellular environment, allowing certain substances into the cell
What is the membrane potential?
The difference in charge from the inside to the outside of the cell, the inside is more negatively charged
Why is there a membrane potential?
The force of diffusion - molecules moving from an area of high to low concentration
The force of electrostatic pressure - like charges attract, opposite charges repel
What is the sodium-potassium pump?
It maintains the ionic concentration gradients across the membrane, ATP is broken down releasing energy which forces ions to move against their concentration gradient
What is happening when the cell membrane is at rest?
More potassium channels are open than sodium channels so more potassium is leaving than there is sodium coming in hence the negative charge
What does the oligodendroglial cell do?
form myelin around axons in the brain and spinal cord
What do Schwann cells do?
wrap around peripheral nerves to form myelin
What are nodes of ranvier?
the ends of myelinated sections on axons
What is myelin and its purpose?
a fatty coating which causes action potentials to jump along the axon thus requiring less energy
What is the result of myelin sheath damage?
multiple sclerosis; problems with nerve impulses
