Unit 1- Neural Communication

Dendrites- grab messages

Cell body- receives message, sends it along

Axon- travel lane, electro-chemical mix

Myelin sheath- insulating layer around axon

Axon terminal- end of neuron, chemicals released to carry message along

threshold- minimum amount of stimulation needed to fire a neuron- all or nothing

Action Potential- a neuron sending a message- mixing of sodium ions generates charge allowing for message to travel

Resting Potential- a neuron at rest, sodium ions are polarized

synapse- gap between neurons

when message reaches terminal knob, neurotransmitters are released into the synapse

the NTs fit like puzzle pieces

Agonist- a chemical that is "close enough" in chemical structure that produces a similar effect

Antagonist- a chemical that blocks a message from being passed along