Neuroscience Chapter on Neurons

A state where a cell maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes, with unequal concentrations of ions across its membrane.

The difference in electrical potential between the inside and outside of a cell membrane. It is usually negative at rest.

A change in membrane potential making it less negative than the resting potential.

A change in membrane potential returning it back to the resting potential.

A change in membrane potential making it more negative than the resting potential.

An equation that calculates the equilibrium potential for a specific ion across a membrane based on its concentration gradient.

An equation that calculates the membrane potential of a cell based on the permeability and concentrations of multiple ions.

The main functional unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information within the body.

The central part of a neuron containing the nucleus and other organelles. It is responsible for maintaining the cell's life.

A long, slender projection from the cell body that transmits signals to other neurons or target cells.

A network of protein filaments, including microtubules, that provides structural support and helps transport materials within a neuron.

The specialized region at the beginning of the axon where signals are generated and transmitted.

Thin, branching extensions of a neuron that receive incoming signals from other neurons.

The site where a neuron communicates with another neuron or cell, transmitting signals across a tiny gap.

A phospholipid bilayer that encloses the cell. It controls what enters and exits the cell.

The difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a cell. It is negative at rest.

The ability of the membrane to allow certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Charged particles dissolved in fluids, such as Na+, K+, Cl-, and Ca++. They play a key role in generating membrane potential.

The space between cells, containing fluids and electrolytes.

The fluid inside a cell, containing electrolytes and other molecules.

A mechanism that actively pumps sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell. Requires ATP.

The difference in the concentration of a substance between two regions. It drives the movement of substances across membranes.

The difference in electrical potential between two points. It influences the movement of charged particles.

Channels in the membrane that allow potassium ions to pass through freely. Contribute to membrane potential.

The electrical potential at which the movement of a specific ion across the membrane reaches equilibrium. It is determined by the concentration gradient and the electrical gradient of that ion.

An electric field created by a change in concentration of ions across a membrane. It is a key element in the generation of membrane potential.

Special proteins in the cell membrane that allow certain molecules to pass through.

The ability of a membrane to hold a charge. It is important for generating and maintaining membrane potential.

A type of neuron that relays information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (CNS).

A type of neuron that carries signals from the CNS to muscles or glands, causing a response.

Tiny projections on dendrites that increase the surface area for receiving signals.

The swellings at the end of an axon that release neurotransmitters.

The process of moving vesicles and mitochondria along the axon.

The chemical messengers released by neurons that transmit signals across synapses.

A type of chemical messenger that can modify the effects of neurotransmitters.

A type of chemical messenger that travels through the bloodstream to reach target cells.

Motor proteins that bind to microtubules and move vesicles along the cytoskeleton. They have two heads, a neck, and a tail that binds to organelles.

The movement of materials from the cell body (soma) towards the axon terminal.

The movement of materials from the axon terminal back towards the cell body.

A painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus migrating from the nerve cell body (soma) to the skin.

A type of transport that moves vesicles quickly along microtubules, powered by ATP.

A type of transport that moves vesicles more slowly along microtubules.

A region of the neuron where its axon branches or splits.

Tiny vesicles that hold neurotransmitters and release their contents into the synaptic cleft.