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Dendrites
Root like processes that receieve impulses and conduct them to the cell body.
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Process
A structure that textends out from the cell body.
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Axon
Proess that extends AWAY from the cell body and conducts impulses AWAY from the nerve cell.
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Terminal end fibers
Branching fibers at the end of the axon that lead the nervous impulse from the axon to the synapse.
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Synapse
Space between two neurons or between a neuron and a receptor organ.
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Neurotransmitters
Chemical substances that make it possible for messages to cross from the synapse of a neuron to the target receptor.
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Acetylcholine
Released at some synapses in the spinal cord and at neuromuscular junction, influences muscle action.
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Dopamine
Released within the brain, involved in mood and thought disorders.
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Endorphins
Naturally occuring substances that produced in the brain to help relieve pain.
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Norepinephrine
Released at synaptic nerve endings, responds to hypotension and physical stress.
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Serotonin
Released at the brain, has roles in sleep, hunger, and pleasure recognition.
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Glial Cells
Provide support and protection for neurons.
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Functions of Glial Cells
- (1) surround neurons and hold them in place (2) supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons (3) to insulate one neuron from another
- (4) to destroy and remove dead neurons.
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Myelin Sheath
- Protective covering made up of glial cells, forms the white matter of the brain, and covers some parts of the spinal cord and axon of
- most peripheral nerves.
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White matter
Portion of the nerve fibers that are myelinated ( having myeline sheath)
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Gray Matter
Portion of the nerve fibers that are unmeylinated (lacking myeline sheath)
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