Glossary 4.2


The glossary provides definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts essential to understand the topic in the lesson. Be sure to familiarize yourself with each term before attempting the lesson glossary quiz..

Browse the glossary using this index

Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL

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A

Action Potential

the voltage difference across a nerve cell membrane when the nerve is excited


Afferent Neuron

a neuron that carries impulses from sensory receptors to the central nervous system; also called a sensory neuron


Axon

an extension of cytosol that carries nerve signals away from the nerve cell body


C

Chemical Synapse

a synapse in which a neurotransmitter moves from a presynpatic cell to a postsynaptic cell through the synaptic cleft


D

Dendrite

a projection of cytosol that carries signals toward the nerve cell body


E

Efferent Neuron

a neuron that carries impulses from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles; also known as a motor neuron


Electrical Synapse

a synapse in which the presynaptic cell makes direct contact with the postsynaptic cell, allowing current to flow via gap junctions between the cells


G

Glial Cell

a non-conducting cell that is important for the structural support and metabolism of nerve cells


I

Interneuron

a local circuit neuron of the central nervouse system that relays impulses between afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) neurons


Ion Channel

a protein embedded in the plasma membrane that allows ions to pass through it



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