The Role of Neurons in Communication Flashcards
(17 cards)
Neurons
Responsible for communication in the body
Dendrites
Receives information from other nerve cells and transports this to the cell body (soma).
Soma
Largest part of the neuron; it controls the metabolism and maintenance of a neuron.
Axon
The part which the electrochemical nerve impulse is transmitted.
Axon terminals
Located at the end of the axon, it transmits messages to the next neuron by secreting neurotransmitters.
Myelin
A white, fatty, waxy substance that coats some axons and insulates them, protecting them from electrical interference from other neurons; this increases the transmission efficiency of nerve impulses.
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that help communication across nerve synapses.
Synapse
The connection between two neurons.
Synaptic transmission
The process of neurons sending information to each other via neurotransmitters.
Lock and Key Model
When a receptor binds with the neurotransmitter that ‘fits’ (has the appropriate molecular structure and electrical charge), the postsynaptic neuron is either activated or inhibited.
Presynaptic neuron
A neuron that transmits information to another neuron.
Postsynaptic neuron
A neuron that receives information from another neuron.
Excitatory Synapses
Cause the target cell to become excited and more likely to fire and cause an action potential.
Inhibitory Synapses
Case the target cell to become inhibited and less likely to fire and cause action potential.
Action Potential
A momentary change in the electrical potential of a cell, which allows a nerve cell to transmit a signal or impulse toward another nerve cell.
Glutamate
A excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain involved in learning.
GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid)
An inhibitory neurotransmitter imbalance of GABA is implicated in severe anxiety disorders; also involved in arousal and sleep.
