What is the relationship between action potentials and impulses quizlet?
A momentary change in electrical potential on the surface of a neuron or muscle cell. Nerve impulses are action potentials. They either stimulate a change in polarity in another neuron or cause a muscle cell to contract. You just studied 26 terms!
What is the gap between each neuron called?
Synapse, also called neuronal junction, the site of transmission of electric nerve impulses between two nerve cells (neurons) or between a neuron and a gland or muscle cell (effector). A synaptic connection between a neuron and a muscle cell is called a neuromuscular junction.
What is the most important part of a neuron?
The main part of a neuron is called the cell body. It contains all of the important parts of the cell that allow it to function properly.
What are the four parts of neuron?
A neuron has 4 basic parts: the dendrites, the cell body (also called the “soma”), the axon and the axon terminal.
What is the best analogy for a neuron?
A useful analogy is to think of a neuron as a tree. A neuron has three main parts: dendrites, an axon, and a cell body or soma (see image below), which can be represented as the branches, roots and trunk of a tree, respectively. A dendrite (tree branch) is where a neuron receives input from other cells.
What is a good metaphor for neuron?
In the computing metaphor, the neuron is a sort of factory that processes inputs. But you could also say that neurons push each other, where axonal terminals are hands and spikes are mechanical energy.
What can neurons be compared to?
Neurons are similar to other cells in the body because: Neurons are surrounded by a cell membrane. Neurons contain cytoplasm, mitochondria and other organelles. Neurons carry out basic cellular processes such as protein synthesis and energy production.
What is the difference between depolarization and hyperpolarization?
Hyperpolarization is when the membrane potential becomes more negative at a particular spot on the neuron’s membrane, while depolarization is when the membrane potential becomes less negative (more positive). The opening of channels that let positive ions flow into the cell can cause depolarization.