Neuroscience and Brain Anatomy

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Dendrite

Back

A branched extension of a nerve cell that receives signals from other neurons.

Front

Axon

Back

A long, slender projection of a nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Front

Myelin Sheath

Back

A fatty layer that covers and insulates axons, speeding up the transmission of electrical signals.

Front

Action Potential

Back

A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane.

Front

Resting Potential

Back

The electrical potential of a neuron relative to its surroundings when not stimulated or involved in passage of an impulse.

Front

Refractory Period

Back

A period immediately following stimulation during which a nerve or muscle is unresponsive to further stimulation.

Front

All or None Response

Back

The principle that the strength of a response of a nerve cell or muscle fiber is not dependent on the strength of the stimulus.

Front

Absolute Threshold

Back

The minimum stimulus energy needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time.

Front

Synapse

Back

The junction between two nerve cells, where impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.

Front

Receptor Site

Back

A region on a cell membrane where neurotransmitters bind to initiate a response.