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Dendrites are tree-like extensions of the neuron that receive signals from other neurons. They play a key role in neural communication by collecting and sending signals to the neuron's cell body.

Temporal summation refers to the addition of multiple signals that arrive at a synapse at closely spaced intervals in time, increasing the likelihood of neuron firing. It is important in neural communication because it can amplify weak signals that arrive in quick succession.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that cross synaptic gaps between neurons. They are significant in neural communication because they allow neurons to communicate with each other by influencing the recipient neuron's electrical state.

Metabotropic receptors are G-protein coupled receptors that affect the cell indirectly through a signaling cascade, often leading to changes in gene expression. They are significant in modulating neural communication over longer periods.

Astrocytes are a type of glial cell in the brain and spinal cord that perform many functions, including buffering the extracellular space and assisting with neurotransmitter regulation. They significantly influence neural communication and plasticity.

The sodium-potassium pump is a cell membrane protein that pumps sodium out of and potassium into the cell, helping to maintain the resting membrane potential. It contributes to neural communication by resetting the neuron post-activation for another action potential.

An action potential is a rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane with a characteristic pattern. Action potentials are essential for the propagation of electrical signals along the neuron's axon to communicate with other neurons.

An IPSP is a type of synaptic potential that makes a postsynaptic neuron less likely to generate an action potential. IPSPs play a crucial role in neural communication by hyperpolarizing the postsynaptic membrane and decreasing the likelihood of an action potential.

The refractory period is the time following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to fire another action potential. This time allows the neuron to reset its ion gradients and is essential for unidirectional propagation of the action potential in neural communication.

An axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body. The significance of the axon in neural communication lies in its role in transmitting action potentials to other neurons or effector cells.

Glial cells, or glia, are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support and nutrition, maintain homeostasis, and form myelin. They are essential for neural communication by creating a supportive environment for neurons.

A neural circuit is a functional entity of interconnected neurons that process and transmit information by means of electrical and chemical signals. Neural circuits form the basis of perception, behavior, and cognition in neural communication.

Neurotransmitter synthesis is the process by which neurons create neurotransmitters from precursors. This process is vital for neural communication as it ensures the availability of neurotransmitters for synaptic transmission.

An EPSP is a postsynaptic potential that makes a neuron more likely to fire an action potential. EPSPs are significant for neural communication as they increase the likelihood that a neuron will pass on the signal through an action potential.

Glia-neuronal signaling refers to the bidirectional communication between glial cells and neurons. These interactions are significant for modulating neural communication, synaptic maintenance, and the response to injury.

A chemical synapse is a type of synapse that uses chemical signals (neurotransmitters) for communication between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. It enables the selective and amplifiable transmission of signals in neural communication.

An electrical synapse is a type of synapse in which electrical current flows directly between adjacent neurons through gap junctions, allowing for faster and more synchronized communication compared to chemical synapses.

A neuron is a specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell. Neurons are fundamental in the process of neural communication, as they propagate electrical and chemical signals in the nervous system.

Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain. This process is significant in neural communication as it contributes to the growth and adaptability of neural networks throughout life.

Spatial summation occurs when multiple presynaptic neurons release neurotransmitter at various locations on the postsynaptic neuron at the same time, potentially triggering an action potential. This aspect of neural communication ensures that signals from different sources can influence the response of a neuron.

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open in response to the binding of a neurotransmitter ligand, allowing ions to pass through. In neural communication, these channels are essential for initiating electrical responses in postsynaptic neurons.

Neural coding refers to the way in which information is represented and processed by networks of neurons. Understanding neural coding is essential for deciphering how the brain translates stimuli into meaningful signals in neural communication.

Synaptic pruning is the process of synapse elimination that occurs throughout the growth of the nervous system. This is crucial in neural communication as it refines neural circuits and enhances the efficiency of neurotransmission.

Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell in the central nervous system that produces the myelin sheath around neurons. They are crucial for increasing the speed of neural communication through saltatory conduction.

A gap junction is a specialized intercellular connection between a multitude of animal cell types. It directly connects the cytoplasm of two cells, allowing for ions, molecules, and electrical impulses to directly pass between cells, facilitating rapid and direct neural communication.

Neural integration is the process by which neurons process and interpret multiple signals to produce a coherent output. This is a key aspect of neural communication as it allows for the processing of complex information.

Neuromodulation refers to the physiological process by which a given neuron uses one or more neurotransmitters to regulate diverse populations of neurons. This is an important aspect of neural communication because it adjusts the strength and effectiveness of synaptic transmission.

Synaptic vesicles are small, spherical structures that store neurotransmitters in the presynaptic neuron ready for release during synaptic transmission. These vesicles are key to neural communication since they prepare neurotransmitters for rapid release into the synapse.

An EEG is a test that detects electrical activity in the brain using small, metal discs attached to the scalp. It is significant for studying neural communication in the brain, including diagnosing conditions, monitoring brain states, and researching cognitive processes.

A neurotransmitter receptor is a protein on the cell surface where neurotransmitters can bind, affecting the neuron. These receptors are imperative in neural communication as they determine the post-synaptic cell's response to neurotransmitters.

The resting membrane potential is the voltage difference across a cell's plasma membrane when not transmitting signals, typically around -70 mV in neurons. It is foundational for neural communication as it represents the ready state for action potential initiation.

A synapse is the junction between two neurons or a neuron and a target cell where neurotransmitters are released to propagate the signal. Synapses are critical in neural communication as they transfer signals from one cell to another.

Neural plasticity refers to the ability of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage, or dysfunction. It underpins learning, memory, and recovery from brain injury in neural communication.

Ionotropic receptors are a type of ligand-gated ion channel that open when the appropriate neurotransmitter binds, allowing ions to flow across the membrane. They are essential for fast synaptic signaling in neural communication.

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential. These channels are critical for action potential generation and propagation in neural communication.

The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that covers the axon of some neurons to insulate and protect the nerve fibers and speed the transmission of electrical signals. Myelination significantly increases the efficiency of neural communication by enhancing signal speed.

Neurotransmitter reuptake is the process by which neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft are reabsorbed back into the presynaptic neuron. This process is important for terminating the signal and recycling neurotransmitters in neural communication.

The postsynaptic density is a protein-packed area within the postsynaptic membrane where neurotransmitter receptors are anchored. It plays a key role in neural communication by ensuring efficient signal reception and transduction.