Psychology Brain Chapter 2 Vocabulary

Front

Dendrite

Back

Dendrites are structures that resemble tree roots. They receive messages from other neurons.

Front

Myelin Sheath

Back

The sausage-like Myelin Sheath protects the axon and the messages that travel through the neuron.

The messages are electrical in nature and the Myelin Sheath makes sure they travel quickly and completely. 

Front

Axon Terminal

Back

These are also called terminal buttons or terminal branches.

This is where the electrical message ends and begins transmission across the synapse as a chemical message. 

Front

Synapse

Back

The synapse isn't really a location on the neuron,

but it is the space between neurons where the messages flow from one neuron to another.

These messages are chemicals called neurotransmitters. 

Front

Direction of Impulse

Back

electrical messages or impulses generally move across neurons in one direction only- as if they were traveling on a one-way street.

To prevent messages from short-circuiting one another actions must be insulated in some form.

Front

Nucleus

Back

The nucleus is a crucial organelle within a cell with critical functions.


It stores genetic information in the form of DNA, directing the synthesis of RNA in a process called transcription.

Front

Cell Body

Back

The cell body, or soma, is a crucial component of neurons in the nervous system.

It integrates incoming signals from dendrites, determining whether to generate an action potential for communication.

Front

Node of Ranvier

Back

The node of Ranvier is a small unmyelinated gap along a myelinated axon, facilitating saltatory conduction where nerve impulses jump rapidly from one node to the next.

Front

Axon

Back

The Axon is like the branch of a tree.

It extends away from the cell body and carries messages away from the cell body for eventual transmission to other cells.