Specialized Cells

rapid change in membrane potential due to changes in the flux of potassium and sodium ions inside and outside the cell

star-shaped glial cell in the CNS (central nervous system) that supports neurons by connecting them to nutrient supplies and repairing nervous tissue after injury

extension from the neuronal cell body that transmits the signal to receiving cells

lymphocyte that originates and matures in the red bone marrow and produces antibodies, which bond to pathogens and neutralize them

type of white blood cell that releases histamine and heparin to promote inflammatory reactions such as in allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and asthma. Basophils make both histamine and serotonin.

rapid mitotic divisions of the zygote during the three days postfertilization that produce cells called blastomeres

maternal influence of early cell differentiation

extension from the neuronal cell body that receives input from other cells

neurotransmitter that regulates motor behavior and the brain's pleasure and reward centers

leukocyte (white blood cell) from the myeloid lineage that contains granules, releases cytotoxic chemicals to kill large parasites, and plays a role in allergies and asthma

type of glial cell, in the CNS, that lines the spinal cord and ventricles of the brain, as well as produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

neurotransmitter that works in neurons within the brain's cortex to influence motor control and vision and regulate the body's reaction to anxiety

cells that support and protect neurons

immune cell that contains granules in the cytoplasm, specifically the eosinophil and basophil

type of protein that can be secreted from or bound to the surface of B cells and recognize antigens

type of formed elements in blood that aids the immune process and protects the body from infections and foreign invasion. Leukocytes lack hemoglobin and are therefore colorless, or "white," which is why they are also referred to as white blood cells.

one of a family of several different types of leukocytes (white blood cells), including B cells, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Lymphocytes are found in lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes.

monocyte that has migrated from the bloodstream into any tissue in the body

type of leukocyte (white blood cell) that can change as needed into a macrophage targeted to destroy specific foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses

lipid-rich material that wraps around the axon, acting like insulation around an electrical wire

chemical that binds to neuronal receptors and excites or inhibits postsynaptic cells

white blood cell that can travel anywhere in the body and is the first to arrive at the site of inflammation or injury. They often cause swelling to protect damaged cells.

glial cell that generates myelin, which wraps around axons in the CNS

process by which cells such as macrophages engulf and digest pathogens and other material

glial cell in the PNS that surrounds the cell bodies of neurons in sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic ganglia

glial cell in the PNS that provides myelination to axons in the PNS

space found between two nerve cells, across which neurotransmitters travel

structure that holds neurotransmitters

leukocyte produced by red bone marrow that migrates to the thymus gland, where it matures. T cells play a role in eliciting the adaptive immune response.

ion pathway that opens and closes when an electrical signal is received and activated by changes in membrane potential