PHYS 215 Lecture 7: Lecture 7 - PHYS 215
31 Dec 2018
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Document Summary
How many kinds of neurons are there: afferent or sensory neuron, very few in number, convey info to the cns, long axon that divides into a peripheral and central process, have no dendrites. What is convergence: process where one neuron receives input (electrical signals) from many other neurons. What is divergence: process where one neuron sends information (electrical signals) to many other neurons. Purpose of convergence and divergence: to integrate information in the cns. What is a synapse: specialized junction between neurons, site where the electrical signal (action potential) is transmitted between the axon terminal and dendrite or cell body. Presynaptic neuron: neuron that conducts electrical signal or action potential towards synapse. Postsynaptic neuron: neuron that conducts the electrical signal or action potential away from the synapse. Synaptic knob: swelling at the end of the axon terminal. Synaptic cleft: space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. Subsynaptic membrane: membrane portion of the postsynaptic neuron.
