Neurons and Their Structure

Neural cell; basic building block of the nervous system made up of specific structures: dendrites, cell body, axon, and terminal buttons.

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Contains the nucleus and other parts of the cell needed to sustain its life.

<p>Wirelike structure ending in the terminal buttons that extend from the cell body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fatty covering around the axon of some neurons that speeds neural impulses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Branched end of the axon that contains neurotransmitters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Space between the terminal button at the tip of the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of the next neuron.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Root-like parts of the cell that stretch out from the cell body that receive incoming information (neurotransmitters).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Areas of dendrite to receive a specific neurotransmitter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The negatively charged state of the neuron when not firing a neural impulse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A neural impulse; brief electric charge that spreads down the length of a neuron after the threshold is achieved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Electrochemical process where electricity travels within the cell and chemicals travel between cells in the synapse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Neuron either fires completely or it doesn't fire at all.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Level of stimulation required to 'fire' (trigger) a neuron.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A brief resting pause that occurs after a neuron has fired.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A neurotransmitter's reabsorption by the sending neuron.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chemicals contained in terminal buttons that enable neurons to communicate by crossing the synaptic gaps.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chemicals released that excite the next neuron into firing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chemicals released that inhibit the next neuron from firing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Neurotransmitter associated with motor movement, learning, and memory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Neurotransmitter associated with motor movement, learning, alertness, and emotion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Neurotransmitter associated with pain control and the perception of pain or pleasure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Neurotransmitter associated with mood control, hunger, sleep, and arousal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Neurotransmitter that helps control alertness and arousal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A major inhibitory neurotransmitter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A major excitatory neurotransmitter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A molecule that stimulates a response by binding to a receptor site.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A molecule that inhibits or blocks a response by binding to a receptor site.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Basic unit of the nervous system, receiving, processing, and transmitting information.

Branching extensions receiving signals from other neurons.

Part of the neuron containing the nucleus, maintaining its function.

Long fiber transmitting signals away from the cell body.

Endings of axons releasing neurotransmitters.

Fatty layer speeding up signal transmission.

Supporting cells nourishing and protecting neurons.

Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Chemical messengers carrying signals between neurons.

Specialized areas receiving specific neurotransmitters.

Neuron's negative electrical charge when inactive.

Brief electrical charge traveling down the axon.

Electrochemical process of signal transmission.

Neuron either fires completely or not at all.

Time after firing when neuron cannot immediately fire again.

Neurotransmitter reabsorption by the presynaptic neuron.

Stimulate the next neuron to fire.

Prevent the next neuron from firing.

Neurotransmitter involved in memory, learning, and movement.

Neurotransmitter influencing mood, movement, and alertness.

Neurotransmitters acting as natural painkillers.

Neurotransmitter impacting mood, sleep, and appetite.

Influencing alertness, focus, and the stress response.

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter, calming the nervous system.

Major excitatory neurotransmitter, crucial for learning.

Molecules enhancing neurotransmitter effects.

Molecules blocking neurotransmitter actions.