Neurology 1: Introduction

The endpoint of the axon where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other neurons or muscles.

A type of neuron with two processes extending from the cell body: one axon and one dendrite. Found in sensory organs like the retina.

Multipolar neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS, playing a role in reflexes and neural circuits.

Carry sensory information from receptors in the body to the CNS.

The most common type of neuron, with one axon and multiple dendrites. Found throughout the CNS.

A type of multipolar neuron found in the cerebral cortex, involved in motor control and cognitive functions.

Have long axons that can extend far across the body, such as those found in the spinal cord.

Have short axons and are typically found in the cerebral cortex and retina, often acting as local circuit neurons.

The control center of the body, processing information received from the body and coordinating activities like movement, sensory perception, emotions, thoughts, and memory.

Includes all nerves outside the CNS, responsible for carrying information between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Carries sensory information from the body to the CNS, like touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound.

Carries motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands, controlling movement and bodily functions.

Controls voluntary movements by innervating skeletal muscles, allowing you to consciously move.

Controls automatic functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing, operating without conscious thought.

The main body of a neuron, containing the nucleus and organelles, responsible for maintaining its structure and function.

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them towards the cell body.

Channels that allow ions to passively cross the membrane, playing a role in maintaining resting membrane potential.

Respond to mechanical deformation of the membrane, like stretching or pressure, opening to allow ion flow.

Open in response to changes in the membrane potential, crucial for generating action potentials.

Open when a neurotransmitter or other chemical messenger binds to them.

Produce myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) for faster signal transmission.

Support neuron cell bodies in ganglia, regulating material exchange between neurons and their environment.

Produce myelin sheath around axons in the central nervous system (CNS), similar to Schwann cells but in the CNS.

Star-shaped cells in the CNS that maintain the blood-brain barrier, provide structural support, and regulate the ionic environment around neurons.

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction, autonomic functions (like heart rate and digestion), and cognitive processes like learning and memory.

A neurotransmitter that regulates movement, motivation, and reward pathways. It's associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

A neurotransmitter that modulates mood, appetite, sleep, and pain perception. It's often associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.

A neurotransmitter involved in the fight-or-flight response, arousal, and attention. It helps us respond to stress and danger.

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). It slows down or reduces neuronal activity, calming the brain.

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It increases neuronal activity, contributing to learning and memory.

These receptors are located on the surface of cells and act as receivers for neurotransmitters. They activate intracellular signaling pathways, causing a response within the cell.

Large, myelinated fibers that transmit information about body position and movement.

The resting membrane potential, typically -70 mV, is the stable, negative charge inside the neuron when it's not sending a signal.

A rapid, short-lasting change in membrane potential, where the inside of the neuron becomes temporarily positive, allowing the transmission of a signal.

The process of transmitting a signal from the neuron's cell body along the axon to the terminal where neurotransmitters are released.

The period after an action potential where the neuron is less likely to fire another action potential.

The opening of voltage-gated sodium channels leads to sodium ions rushing into the neuron, causing depolarization and further pushing the membrane potential closer to the threshold.

The opening of voltage-gated potassium channels allows potassium ions to exit the cell, making the inside of the neuron more negative again, returning to its resting potential.

The neurotransmitter GABA is responsible for inhibiting neural activity. It reduces the likelihood of an action potential being triggered, calming down the nervous system.

A chemical messenger released from the presynaptic neuron, diffusing across the synaptic cleft and binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering a response.

The tiny space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons where neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors.

The process by which neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft.

The point where the axon terminal of a neuron comes into close proximity with another neuron or effector cell.

The process of a neurotransmitter binding to a receptor on the postsynaptic neuron, causing ion channels to open or close.

A change in the electrical potential of the postsynaptic neuron's membrane, which can trigger an action potential if it reaches the threshold.

The level of electrical potential a neuron must reach for an action potential to be triggered.