Term
| Central Nervous System (CNS) |
|
Definition
| The brain and the spinal cord. |
|
|
Term
| Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) |
|
Definition
| The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, including the nerves attached to the brain and spinal cord. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A neuron that detects changes in the external or internal environment and sends information about these changes to the central nervous system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A neuron located within the central nervous system that controls the contraction of a muscle of the secretion of gland. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A neuron located entirely within the central nervous system. In between sensory and motor neurons. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The cell body of a neuron, which contains the nucleus. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A branched, treelike structure attached to the soma of a neuron; receives information from terminal buttons of other neurons. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A junction between the terminal button of an axon and the membrane of another neuron. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The long, thin, cylindrical structure that conveys information from the soma of a neuron to its terminal buttons. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The bud at the end of a branch of an axon; forms synapses with another neuron; sends information to that neuron. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A chemical that is released by a terminal button; has an excitatory or inhibitory effect on another neuron. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An active process by which substances are propelled along microtubules that run the length of the axon. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In a direction along an axon from the cell body toward the terminal buttons. (Kinesin) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In a direction along an axon from the terminal buttons toward the cell body. (Dynein) - 1/2 the speed of anterograde |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A structure consisting principally of lipid molecules that defines the outer boundaries of a cell and also constitutes many of the organelles, such as the Golgi Aperatus. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Formed of microtubules and other protein fibers, linked to each other and forming a cohesive mass that gives a cell its shape. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A long strand of bundles of protein filaments arranged around a hollow core; part of the cytoskeleton and involved in transporting substances from place to place within the cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The viscous, semi liquid substance contained in the interior of a cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A structure in the central region of a cell, containing the nucleolus and chromosomes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A structure within the nucleus that produces ribosomes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A cytoplasmic structure, made of protein that serves as the site of production of proteins translated from mRNA. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A strand of DNA, with associated proteins, found in the nucleus; carries genetic information. |
|
|
Term
| Deoxyribronucleic acid (DNA) |
|
Definition
| A long, complex macromolecule consisting of two interconnected helical strands; along with associated proteins, strands of DNA constitute the chromosome. - contains the organism's genetic information |
|
|
Term
| Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) |
|
Definition
| A macromolecule that delivers genetic information concerning the synthesis of a protein from a portion of a chromosome to a ribosome. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A molecule that controls a chemical reaction, combing two substances or breaking a substance into two parts. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Parallel layers of membrane found withing the cytoplasm of a cell. |
|
|
Term
| Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum |
|
Definition
| Contains ribosomes and is involved with production of proteins that are secreted by the cell |
|
|
Term
| Smooth endoplasmic Reticulum |
|
Definition
| The site of synthesis of lipids and prov ides channels for the segregation of molecules involved in various cellular processes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A complex of parallel membranes in the cytoplasm that wraps the products of a secretory cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The secretion of a substance by a cell through means of vesicles; the process by which neurotransmitters are secreted. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An organelle surrounded by membrane; contains enzymes that break down waste product - clean up cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
An organelle that is responsible for extracting energy from nutrients.
*Provides cell with ATP |
|
|
Term
| Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) |
|
Definition
| A molecule of prime importance to cellular energy metabolism; its breakdown liberates energy. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The supporting cells of the central nervous system.
*Surround neurons and hold them in place, insulate neurons from each other, and act as a housekeeper. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| "Star Cell" - A glial cell that provides support for neurons of the central nervous system, provides nutrients and other substances, and regulates the chemical composition of the extra cellular fluid. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process by which cells engulf and digest other cells or debris caused by cellular degeneration. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A type of glial cell in the central nervous system that forms myelin sheaths. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A sheath that surrounds axons and insulates them, preventing messages from spreading between adjacent axons. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A naked portion of a myelinated axon between adjacent oligodendrolia or Schwann cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The smallest of the glial cells; they act as phagocytes and protect the brain from invading microorganisms. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A cell in the peripheral nervous system that is wrapped around a myelinated axon, providing one segment of its myelin sheath. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A semipermeable barrier between the blood and the brain produced by the cells in the walls of the brain's capillaries. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A region of the medulla where the blood-brain barrier is weak- poisons can be detected there and can initiate vomitting. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The electrical charge across a cell membrane; the difference in electrical potential inside and outside the cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The membrane potential of a neuron when it is not being altered by excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials; approximately -70mV in the giant squid axon. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An increase in the membrane potential of a cell, relative to the normal resting potential; membrane potential becomes more negative. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Reduction(towards zero) of the membrane potential of a cell from its normal resting potential; membrane potential becomes more positive. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The value of the membrane potential that must be reached to produce an action potential. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The brief electrical impulse that provides the basis for conduction of information along an axon. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Movement of molecules from regions of high concentration to regions of low concentration. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An aqueous solution of a material that ionizes - namely, a soluble acid, base, or salt. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The attractive force between atomic particles charged with opposite signs or the repulsive force between atomic particles charged with the same sign. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The fluid contained within cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Body fluids located outside of the cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A protein found in the membrane of all cells that extrudes sodium ions from and transports potassium ions into the cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A specialized protein molecule that permits specific ions to enter or leave cells. |
|
|
Term
| Voltage-Dependent Ion Channels |
|
Definition
| An ion channel that opens or closes according to the value of the membrane potential. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The principle that once an action potential is triggered in an axon, it is propagated, without decrement, to the end of the fiber. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The principle that variations int he intensity of a stimulus or other information being transmitted in an axon are represented by variations in the rate at which that axon fires. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Conduction of action potentials by myelinated axons. The action potential appears to jump from one node of Ranvier to the next. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Alteration int he membrane potential of a postsynaptic neuron, produced by liberation of neurotransmitter at the synapse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The location on a receptor protein to which a ligard binds. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A small bud on the surface of a dendrite, with which a terminal button of another neuron forms a synapse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The membrane of a terminal button that lies adjacent to the postsynaptic membrane and through which the neurotransmitter is released. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The cell membrane opposite the terminal button in a synapse; the membrane of the cell that receives the message. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The space between the presynaptic membrane and the postsynaptic membrane |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A small, hollow, beadlike structure found in terminal buttons; contains molecules of a neurotransmitter. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A region of the interior of the presynaptic membrane of a synapse to which synaptic vesicles attach and release their neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| <1% of vesicles - "kiss and run" - docked against the inside of the presynaptic membrane. Low rate of axon firing. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 10-15% - fuse with membrane when axon firing rate increases. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| (85-90%) Recycles through bulk endocytosis and used when axon firing rate increases |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A receptor molecule in the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process of entering a cell. |
|
|
Term
| Neurotransmitter-dependent ion channels |
|
Definition
| An ion channel that opens when a molecule of a neurotransmitter binds with a post synaptic receptor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A receptor that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter and an ion channel that opens up when a molecule of the neurotransmitter attaches to the binding site.
Ex. ACH |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A receptor that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter; activates an enzyme that begins a series of events that opens an ion channel elsewhere in the membrane of the cell when a molecule of the neurotransmitter attaches to the binding site. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A protein coupled to a metabotrophic receptor; conveys messages to other molecules when a ligand binds with an activates the receptor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A chemical produced when a G-protein activates an enzyme; carries a signal that results in the opening of the ion channel or causes other events to occur in the cell. |
|
|
Term
| Four Major Types of Neurotransmitter-dependent ion channels |
|
Definition
1. Sodium (Na+)
2. Potassium (K+)
3. Chloride (Cl-)
4. Calcium (Ca++) |
|
|
Term
| causes depolarization (EPSP) |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| causes hyperpolarization (IPSP) |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| causes hyperpolarization (IPSP) |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP) |
|
Definition
| An excitatory depolarization of the post synaptic membrane of a synapse caused by the liberation of a neurotransmitter by the terminal button |
|
|
Term
| Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP) |
|
Definition
| An inhibitory hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse caused by the liberation of a neurotransmitter by the terminal button. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The re-entry of a neurotransmitter just liberate by a terminal button back through the presynaptic membrane, thus terminating the post synaptic potential. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The destruction of a neurotransmitter by an enzyme after its release - for example the destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A neurotransmitter found in the brain, spinal cord, and parts of the peripheral nervous system; responsible for muscular contraction. |
|
|
Term
| Acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) |
|
Definition
| The enzyme that destroys acetylcholine soon after it is liberated by the terminal buttons, thus terminating the postsynaptic potential. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process by which inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic potentials summate and control the rate of firing of a neuron. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A receptor molecule located on a presynaptic neuron that responds to the neurotransmitter released by the neuron.
*May be part of a regulatory system that controls the amount of neurotransmitter that is released |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The action of a presynaptic terminal button in an axoaxonic synapse reduces the amount of neurotransmitter released by the postsynaptic terminal button. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The action of a presynaptic terminal button in an axoaxonic synapse; increase the amoutn of neurotransmitter released by the postsynaptic terminal button. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Synapse between axons. They alter the amount of neurotransmitter released by the terminal buttons of the post synaptic axon. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Synapse between dendrite. Perform regulatory functions, perhaps helping to organize the activity of groups of neurons. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A special junction between cells that permits direct communication by means of electrical grouping - electrical synapse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A naturally secreted substance that acts like a neurotransmitter except that is not restricted to the synaptic cleft but diffuses through the extracellular fluid. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A chain of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. Most neuromodulators,, and some hormones, consist of peptide molecules. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A chemical substance that is released by an endocrine gland that has effects on target cells in other organs. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A gland that liberates it secretions into the extra cellular fluid around capillaries and hence into the blood stream. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The type of cell that is directly affected by a hormone or other chemical signal. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A chemical of low molecular weight, derived from cholesterol. This hormone affects their target cells by attaching to receptors found within the nucleus |
|
|
