anatomy+of+a+neuron+9

Dendrite – receive info from other neurons. Dendrites carry __signals TOWARDS the cell body.__

Cell Body – __Site of basic cellular activities__ and the nucleus of the neuron

Axon – Carries messages AWAY from the nerve. __One axon per neuron!__

Myelin Sheath – An insulating cover surrounding the axon that __speeds up action potentials__

Vesicles – Sacs within axon terminals that __contain neurotransmitter__

Synaptic Space – __Space between two neurons__ where NT is released. This is the site of neurotransmission, and communication between 2 neurons. Neurons never touch!

Neurotransmitter (NT) – __Chemical released from one neuron into the synaptic space__ that transmits the impulse to another neuron

When an action potential reaches the __axon terminals__ of a __pre-synaptic neuron__, __Ca++__ rushes into the neuron, causing __NT__ to be released from __vesicles,__ into the __synaptic space__. The free NT then bonds to __protein receptors__ on the __post-synaptic neuron__, causing an action potential to travel across the post-synaptic neuron.