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 |