PSYC 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Astrocyte, Myelin, Axon Terminal
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PSYC 101 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
Axons are long tail-like extensions protruding from the cell body. Portion of the neuron that sends signals. Unlike dendrites, axons are usually very thin near the cell body; this narrowness creates a trigger zone. The axon terminal is a knoblike structure at the far end of the axon. Axon terminals contain synaptic vesicles: spherical sac containing neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters: chemical messenger specialized for communication from neuron to neuron. A space between 2 connecting neurons through which messages are transmitted chemically. The synapse consists of a synaptic cleft: a gap into which neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal. As neurotransmitters are released from the axon of a cell into the synapse, they"re quickly picked up by the dendrites of nearby neurons. Glial cells: cell in nervous system that plays a role in the formation of myelin and the blood-brain barrier, responds to injury, removes debris, and enhances learning and memory (glial means glue)
