Neural Structure and Function

The nervous system's architecture and signaling mechanisms work together to coordinate bodily functions and movement. The neuron's structure includes the cell body (soma) containing the nucleus, the axon for signal transmission, and myelin sheaths with nodes of Ranvier for enhanced conduction.

Definition: The resting potential is the voltage difference between the inside and outside of a neuron, typically maintained at -70 millivolts.

Vocabulary: Depolarization refers to the rapid change in membrane potential from -70mV to +30mV during an action potential.

Example: When a stimulus triggers an action potential, sodium ions rush into the neuron during depolarization, followed by potassium ions flowing out during repolarization.

Highlight: The refractory period is a crucial safety mechanism that prevents excessive neural firing by establishing a minimum time interval between successive action potentials.

Quote: "Le potentiel de repos, différence de potentiel entre l'intérieur et l'extérieur (-70)"

The text describes the fundamental processes of neural signaling, including:

• Maintenance of resting potential
• Depolarization and repolarization cycles
• Role of ion movements
• Importance of myelin sheaths
• Function of synaptic buttons in signal transmission
• Temporal aspects of action potential generation and refractory periods