A.P. Psychology | Structure of a Neuron

Schawnn cells

'cells inside bead' that create myelin and, ultimately, the Myelin sheath; cells of the peripheral nervous system that wraps around a nerve fiber, jelly-roll fashion, forming the Myelin sheath

axon terminals

distal terminations of the branches of an axon; transmits information out of the individual neuron itself to another individual neuron through synaptic gaps (structures that permits a neuron (or nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another cell); unlike dendrites in that they don't have a cell body, or soma, contained within them

cell body (soma)

neuron's 'life support'; contains & protects nucleus within, DNA, mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.

nucleus

protected within the cell body (soma), embodies genetic material & DNA; is membrane-enclosed

myelin sheath

protective layer of fatty tissue that encases the axon; formed from an electrically insulating material and speeds the transmissions of messages; 'non-continuos beads'

Node of Ranvier

regularly spaced gaps, as in spaces between, the 'non-continuos beads' of the Myelin sheath; around an axon or nerve fiber; helps speed the neural impulse and fosters action potential, or the 'firing potential' (sharp electrochemical response of a stimulated neuron)

dendrites

the 'listeners' of the individual neuron; short, bushy tree-like branches; secures information and transmits it to the cell body (soma); unlike axon terminals in that they have a cell body

axon

the 'talker' of the individual neuron; long, continious, cable-like extension that transmits electrical impulses from the soma (cell body) out to other neurons or glands or muscles