| Neuron - basic structural
unit of the nervous system; a cell with specialized processes
that is electrically excitable
Mitochondria (pl.)- organelles within cells that function
as the site of cellular respiration and through oxidative
processes provide metabolic energy (the "powerhouse of
the cell")
Endoplasmic reticulum - orgnaelle that is the site
of protein assembly
Nucleus- the "control center" of the cell,
location of DNA which gives "directions" for protein
synthesis
Golgi apparatus - organelle that functions to "package
and label" synthesized proteins for use either in or
out of the cell
Dendrite- specialized process of the neuron that receives
input from other neurons or receptors
Axon - the specialized process of the neuron that
usually conveys signals form the neuron to other neurons or
muscle. Axons may be myelinated or unmyelinated.
Myelin - a fatty, "insulating" substance
that is essential to speeding up electrical conduction along
the axon.
Reflex arc - the basic "functional" unit
of the nervous system; may be as simple as two neurons connected
to each other. |
