The nervous system depends on two basic kinds of cells: glial cells and neurons. This lesson introduces the supportive work of glia and the specialized parts of neurons that receive, process, and pass along information.
Glial cells, also called glia, support neurons physically and metabolically. They help form the structure of the nervous system, keep neurons positioned to communicate, insulate neurons, transport nutrients and waste, and mediate immune responses. Glia are not simply passive packing material; their many support functions help neurons work effectively.
All flashcards
What are glial cells?
Glial cells are nervous-system cells that support neurons. They provide structure and insulation, help position neurons, transport nutrients and waste, and contribute to immune responses.
What roles do dendrites and axons play?
Dendrites are input sites that receive signals from other cells. The axon carries an electrical signal away from the soma toward the terminal buttons.
What is the soma?
The soma, or cell body, contains the neuron's nucleus and is a central part of the cell that receives and integrates signals.
What are Nodes of Ranvier?
They are small gaps between sections of the myelin sheath along an axon. Electrical signaling is regenerated at these gaps as it travels down the axon.
What happens at the synaptic cleft?
Neurotransmitters released from a neuron's terminal buttons cross the small gap and bind to compatible receptors on a neighboring cell.
Quiz questions
How does the sodium-potassium pump move ions across a neuron's membrane?Answer: It moves three sodium ions out and two potassium ions in.
What does an agonist do at a neurotransmitter receptor?Answer: It mimics or activates the neurotransmitter's effect at the receptor.
How does an antagonist affect neurotransmitter signaling at a receptor?Answer: It binds to the receptor and blocks or impedes the neurotransmitter's activity.
How do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors affect serotonin signaling?Answer: They reduce serotonin reuptake, leaving it available in the synapse longer.
How do electrical synapses allow current to pass between cells?Answer: Gap junctions provide a direct pathway for current between cells.
Based on Psychology 2e by Rose M. Spielman, William J. Jenkins, Marilyn D. Lovett (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.