The Neuron, Neural

Communication and
Nervous System Review

The Neuron
a specialized nerve cell that receives,
processes, and transmits information
to other cells in the body

Axon
Passes messages away from
the cell body to other
neurons, muscles, or glands

Dendrites
Receive messages
from other cells
Terminal Branches of Axon
Form junctions with other
cells

Cell Body
The cells lifesupport center

Myelin Sheath
Covers the axon of some
neurons and helps speed
neural impulses

Types of Neurons
Sensory Neurons

sends information from sensory organs

(eyesseeing/ fingertouching) inward
to the CNS

Motor Neurons

CNS sends instructions out to body

Interneurons

neurons within the brain and spinal cord

that communicate internally and intervene
between the sensory inputs and the motor
outputs

Neural Communication
1)
2)
3)

4)
5)
6)

7)

At rest
Stimulus applied
Depolarization: axon is no longer at resting
potential; outside is now negatively charged and
inside is now positively charged
Action Potential: a neural impulse; a brief
electrical charge that travels down an axon
Repolarization: movement of positively charged
potassium ions out of the cell
Refractory period: resting state after firing in
which the neuron goes back to polarized resting
state
Resting Potential: the fluid interior of a resting
axon has an excess of negatively charged ions,
while the fluid outside the axon membrane has
more positively charged ions

3
5

2
7
6

Neural Communication
THRESHOLD
The level of stimulation required to
trigger a neural impulse

Excitatory (Go)
Accelerates neurons
firing speed

Inhibitory (Stop)
Slows neurons
firing speed

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters bind to the receptors of the receiving neuron in a key-lock

mechanism

Full Neurotransmitter Communication Process

Types of Neurotransmitters

Agonist vs. Antagonist

A molecule that may similar
enough to a neurotransmitter to
bind to its receptor and mimic its
effects
Example: The body thinks morphine is close enough to
the naturally made endorphins so it binds to the
endorphin receptors and mimics its effects

A molecule that binds to its

receptors but blocks a
neurotransmitters functioning
Example: Botulin, a poison that can form in improperly
canned food, causes paralysis by blocking Ach release
for muscle movement

The Nervous System

The bodys speedy electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the

nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous system

connects the CNS to the limbs and organs,

essentially serving as a communication relay going
back and forth between the brain and the
extremities

mobilizes energy in
stressful situations

conserves energy

The Endocrine System

The bodys slow communication
system; a set of glands that
secrete hormones into the
bloodstream