The basic cell that makes up the nervous system and that receives and sends messages within that system.

Dendrites

Branchlike structures that receive messages from other neurons.

Cells that produce myelin for neurons.

Myelin

Fatty substances that coat the axons of neurons that insulate, protect, and speed up the neural impulse.

The state of the neuron when not firing a neural impulse. (Inside of cell is primarily negative - - - )

The release of the neuron impulse.

(The inside of the cell is now positive + + +)

Neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all.

gap between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving cell.

• Inhibitory synapses cause receiving cells to stop firing
• Excitatory synapses cause receiving cells to fire

Mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter on the receptor sites.

Block or reduce a cell's response to the action of other neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are taken back into the synaptic vesicles.

Steps of the Scientific Method:

1. Ask a Question

2. Form a Hypothesis

3. Test the Hypothesis

4. Draw Conclusions

5. Report Your Results