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Back to AI Flashcard MakerAnatomy and Physiology /PSYC 2200 - Brain and Behaviour Lecture 2: The Microstructure of the Brain Part 2

PSYC 2200 - Brain and Behaviour Lecture 2: The Microstructure of the Brain Part 2

Anatomy and Physiology9 CardsCreated 3 months ago

This deck covers key concepts related to the microstructure of the brain, including dendrites, axons, myelination, and synaptic communication.

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What are dendrite spines and their functions?

small protrusions on dendrites, increase the surface area further. These spines are dynamic and respond to neuronal activity (like glutamate signaling) by changing shape or size, which is believed to be the structural basis of learning and memory.
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Key Terms

Term
Definition
What are dendrite spines and their functions?
small protrusions on dendrites, increase the surface area further. These spines are dynamic and respond to neuronal activity (like glutamate signaling...
What happens when dendrites are impaired or cannot change?
ex: Down’s syndrome
What are axons and their functions?
long, cylindrical process that conducts electrical impulses (action potentials) away from the soma to communicate with other neurons or target tissues...
What are the types of myelination in the different nervous systems?
CNS: Axons are often myelinated by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). PNS: Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
What is the myelin sheath?
A lipid-rich covering that increases the speed of action potential conduction. It acts as an insulator and enables saltatory conduction (action potent...
What is the cytoskeleton and its function?
a complex network of filamentous protein polymers (microtubules, neurofibrils, actin microfilaments) helps maintain the axon’s shape and enables it to...
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PSYC 2200 - Brain and Behaviour Lecture 2: The Microstructure of the Brain Part 2
TermDefinition
What are dendrite spines and their functions?
small protrusions on dendrites, increase the surface area further. These spines are dynamic and respond to neuronal activity (like glutamate signaling) by changing shape or size, which is believed to be the structural basis of learning and memory.
What happens when dendrites are impaired or cannot change?
ex: Down’s syndrome
What are axons and their functions?
long, cylindrical process that conducts electrical impulses (action potentials) away from the soma to communicate with other neurons or target tissues. The axon does not contain ribosomes and relies on the soma to produce proteins and other molecules required for axonal function.
What are the types of myelination in the different nervous systems?
CNS: Axons are often myelinated by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). PNS: Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
What is the myelin sheath?
A lipid-rich covering that increases the speed of action potential conduction. It acts as an insulator and enables saltatory conduction (action potentials jump between nodes of Ranvier, gaps in myelin).
What is the cytoskeleton and its function?
a complex network of filamentous protein polymers (microtubules, neurofibrils, actin microfilaments) helps maintain the axon’s shape and enables it to change dynamically in response to developmental and injury signals.
What are axon terminals (Presynaptic Terminals) and their function?
synaptic boutons the endings of the axon and are specialized for releasing neurotransmitters into synapses contain synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitters, which are released into the synaptic cleft when an action potential reaches the terminal
How is communication possible from the axon terminals?
The synaptic cleft is the narrow gap (10–20 nm) separating the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes. It is where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals. The release of neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft allows for communication with the postsynaptic neuron or cell, resulting in an excitatory or inhibitory response.
What are the different types of synapses?
Axodendritic (axon to dendrite) Axosomatic (axon to cell body) Axoaxonic (axon to axon).