Questions and Answers
What is the term for the long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body?
What are the primary cells responsible for transmitting signals in the nervous system called?
Neurons
What is the name of the slender extensions that receive signals from other neurons?
Dendrites
What is referred to as 'dark spots' in the context of nervous tissue?
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What part of the neuron is the site of the decision to generate an action potential?
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What structure contains the nucleus of the neuron?
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Which type of cell in the nervous system forms the myelin sheath around neurons?
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What is the significance of Nodes of Ranvier?
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What are the vesicles that contain neurotransmitters called?
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What is the space called between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic neuron?
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What is the terminal end of the presynaptic neuron called?
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Study Notes
Nervous Tissue Components
- Axon: Long projection from a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.
- Neurons: Fundamental units of the nervous system responsible for processing and transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.
- Dendrites: Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons and convey this information to the cell body.
- Neuroglia ("Dark Spots"): Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide structural and functional support to neurons.
Axon Structure and Function
- Axon Hillock: The cone-shaped region at the base of the axon where action potentials are initiated; plays a crucial role in determining whether signals will proceed along the axon.
- Myelinated Nerve Fiber: An axon wrapped in myelin sheaths, which enhances the speed of nerve impulse conduction.
- Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath that facilitate rapid signal transmission via saltatory conduction.
Synaptic Transmission
- Axon Terminal of Presynaptic Neuron: The endpoint of the axon that makes contact with the postsynaptic neuron, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
- Synaptic Vesicles Containing Neurotransmitters: Small membrane-bound structures in axon terminals that store and release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft for communication between neurons.
- Synaptic Cleft: The small gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons where neurotransmitters cross to transmit signals.
- Postsynaptic Neuron: The neuron that receives the signal after neurotransmitters bind to receptors on its membrane.
Cell Body and Nucleus
- Cell Body: Contains the nucleus and organelles; integrates signals received from dendrites and contains the metabolic machinery of the neuron.
- Nucleus: Houses the cell's genetic material (DNA) and coordinates activities such as growth, metabolism, and protein synthesis.
Additional Neuroglia Information
- Neuroglia: Comprises non-neuronal cells in the nervous system, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, involved in maintaining homeostasis and supporting neuronal function.
- Schwann Cell: A type of glial cell involved in the formation of myelin in the peripheral nervous system, supporting and insulating axons.
- Schwann Cell's Myelin: The segmented myelin sheath produced by Schwann cells, crucial for efficient nerve signal transmission.
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Description
Explore the essential components of nervous tissue with these flashcards. Each card provides a key term related to neurons and their structures, helping you reinforce your understanding of the nervous system. Perfect for students studying anatomy or neurobiology.
