Flashcard: Neural Communication and Circuitry — 14 carte

Nervous tissue — composition?

Neurons and glial cells.

Neuron — main function?

Transmit electrical and chemical signals.

Dendrites — role?

Receive incoming signals.

Myelin sheath — function?

Insulates axons, speeds signals.

Glial cells — support roles?

Support, insulate, protect neurons.

Chemical synapse — structure?

Presynaptic terminal, cleft, postsynaptic receptors.

Electrical synapse — mechanism?

Ionic flow through gap junctions.

Neurotransmitter release — process?

Exocytosis of vesicles.

Synaptic plasticity — definition?

Strengthening or weakening of synapses.

LTP — effect?

Increases synaptic strength.

LTD — effect?

Decreases synaptic strength.

Neural circuit — example?

Reflex arc.

Reflex arc — function?

Rapid involuntary response.

Neuronal network — purpose?

Complex information processing.