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Neuroscience — Cellular and Systems

Neurons, synapses, neural circuits, and brain systems

A
axon_terminal_a 25 terms Jan 25, 2026
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Terms 25

1
Neuron
Electrically excitable cell transmitting information via electrical and chemical signals
2
Resting Membrane Potential
~−70 mV; maintained by Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and selective permeability
3
Action Potential
Rapid reversal of membrane potential; all-or-nothing; propagates along axon
4
Depolarization
Na⁺ channels open; Na⁺ rushes in; membrane potential rises toward +40 mV
5
Repolarization
K⁺ channels open; K⁺ leaves; potential returns toward resting level
6
Refractory Period
Absolute: no AP possible; relative: stronger stimulus needed; prevents backward propagation
7
Myelin Sheath
Insulating glial wrap; saltatory conduction between nodes of Ranvier; speeds propagation
8
Synapse
Junction between neurons; presynaptic terminal releases neurotransmitter into synaptic cleft
9
Synaptic Vesicle
Membrane-bound packet storing neurotransmitter; fuses with membrane upon Ca²⁺ influx
10
EPSP
Excitatory postsynaptic potential; depolarizes membrane; moves toward threshold
11
IPSP
Inhibitory postsynaptic potential; hyperpolarizes membrane; moves away from threshold
12
Summation
Temporal: rapid successive inputs add; spatial: simultaneous inputs from multiple synapses add
13
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)
Long-lasting increase in synaptic strength; requires NMDA receptor activation; cellular basis of memory
14
NMDA Receptor
Glutamate receptor requiring both ligand binding and depolarization; Mg²⁺ block; Ca²⁺ permeable
15
AMPA Receptor
Primary mediator of fast excitatory transmission; Na⁺ permeable; inserted during LTP
16
GABA
Main inhibitory neurotransmitter; activates Cl⁻ channels (GABA-A) or K⁺ channels (GABA-B)
17
Glutamate
Main excitatory neurotransmitter in CNS; acts on AMPA, NMDA, and metabotropic receptors
18
Neurotrophins
Proteins supporting neuron survival and growth; BDNF, NGF; bind Trk receptors
19
Neuroplasticity
Brain's ability to reorganize structure and function in response to experience
20
Hebbian Plasticity
Neurons that fire together wire together; co-activation strengthens synaptic connection
21
Glial Cells
Non-neuronal support cells; astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, Schwann cells
22
Blood-Brain Barrier
Tight junctions of endothelial cells; restricts passage of substances into brain
23
Default Mode Network
Brain regions active at rest and during self-referential thought; medial prefrontal, posterior cingulate
24
Dopaminergic Pathways
Mesolimbic (reward), mesocortical (cognition), nigrostriatal (movement), tuberoinfundibular (hormones)
25
Receptor Desensitization
Reduced response to prolonged agonist; receptor internalized or conformation changed