| A | B |
| neuron | basic cell of the nervous system |
| dendrite | receptive end of a neuron |
| synapse | the small gap between neurons |
| axon | the long slender portion of the neuron that transmits the impulse |
| soma (cell body) | the part of the neuron that houses typical cellular organelles |
| neurotransmitter | the chemical signal released by the axon terminal across the synapse |
| presynaptic neuron | the neuron that sends the neurotransmitter |
| postsynaptic neuron | the neuron that receives the neurotransmitter |
| axon terminal (foot) | the end of the neuron--releases neurotransmitter |
| stimuli | any environmental change registered by the NS--sensory input |
| NS | nervous system |
| integration | the processing of stimuli (sensory input) |
| motor output | a response to stimuli (sensory input) |
| motor neuron | transmit from CNS to organ |
| sensory neurons | transmit from organ to CNS |
| interneurons | transfer stimuli--a relay |
| action potential | caused by a change in membrane permeability--an impulse |
| membrane potential | the difference in voltage between the inside and outside of a cell |