Cells that receive, sustain, and transmit electrochemical signals throughout the nervous system.

Support cells that outnumber neurons 10:1; enhance signal speed/efficiency, provide nutrient passage, and respond to injury/disease.

Neuron with one axon and multiple dendrites; the most common type.

Axonless neuron with many dendrites; concentrates neural activity within a single nervous system structure.

Neuron with a single process that branches into dendrite and axon segments.

Neuron with two processes (one dendrite, one axon) extending from the cell body.

Glial cells that myelinate CNS axons to speed up signal conduction.

Glial cells that myelinate PNS axons and enable axonal regeneration after damage.

Star-shaped glial cells that attach to blood vessels and neurons, providing structural/nutritional support.

Glial cells that respond to injury/disease by consuming debris and triggering inflammation.

Temporary fetal glial network guiding neural migration in the developing neural tube.

Neuron's stable charge (-60 to -80 mV) when not transmitting signals.

State of a neuron at resting potential.

Brief electrical spike (+50 mV) triggered when membrane potential reaches excitation threshold (-65 mV).

Active transporter moving 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ in to maintain ion balance.

Channels opening/closing in response to stimuli.

Opened by neurotransmitters (e.g., at synapses).

Opened by membrane potential changes (e.g., in axons).

Activated by mechanical pressure (e.g., in stretch receptors).

Membrane potential increase (e.g., -70 mV → -68 mV) making action potential more likely.

Membrane potential decrease (e.g., -70 mV → -72 mV) inhibiting action potential.

Depolarization from another neuron's firing.

Hyperpolarization from another neuron's firing.

Cumulative effect of multiple EPSPs/IPSPs on membrane potential.

Property where action potentials either fire fully or not at all.