Divisions & Cells of the NS

Front

What is the cell body in a neuron?

Back

The cell body, or soma, is the part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles, responsible for maintaining the cell's health and function.

Front

What is a microglial cell?

Back

Microglial cells are a type of glial cell in the central nervous system that act as the main form of immune defense, responding to injury and disease.

Front

What occurs during rapid depolarization in a neuron?

Back

Rapid depolarization is the phase in an action potential where the membrane potential becomes more positive, allowing sodium ions to flow into the cell.

Front

What is a neurotransmitter?

Back

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another, playing a key role in communication within the nervous system.

Front

What is an ependymal cell?

Back

Ependymal cells are glial cells that line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, involved in the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

Front

What is the function of an axon terminal?

Back

Axon terminals are the endpoints of an axon where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other neurons or target cells.

Front

What is resting potential in a neuron?

Back

Resting potential is the electrical potential difference across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not actively transmitting a signal, typically around -70 mV.

Front

What is a synapse?

Back

A synapse is the junction between two neurons where communication occurs, involving the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron.

Front

What is graded potential?

Back

Graded potential is a change in membrane potential that varies in size and can lead to an action potential if it reaches the threshold.

Front

What role do ion channels play in neuronal function?

Back

Ion channels are proteins that allow ions to flow across the neuronal membrane, crucial for generating action potentials and transmitting signals.