PS101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Neuroglia, Cell Nucleus, Agonist
Document Summary
Neurons: individual cells in the nervous system that receives, integrate and transmit information. Soma (cell body): contains the cell nucleus and much of the chemical machinery. Dendrites: parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information. Axon: long, thin fiber that transmits signals away from the soma to other neurons or to muscles or glands. Myelin sheath: insulating material, derived from glial cells that encases some axons. Synapse: site where information is transmitted from one neuron to another. Glia: cells found throughout the nervous system that provide various types of support for neurons. Supply nourishment to neurons, removes waste products and provides insulation. Chemicals that transmit information from one neuron to another. Action potential: very brief shift in a neuron"s electrical charge that travels along an axon. Absolute refractory period: minimum length of time after an action potential during which another action potential cannot begin.
