1. The Brain Neuron Diagram

2. Cell Body (Soma) The Cell Body is the cell’s life support center
It produces all the proteins for the dendrites, axons and synaptic terminals
It provides energy and produces pieces for the cell itself

3. Dendrites Dendrites receive messages from other cells
They are covered with synapses that serve to detect and react to chemicals released by other cells.

4. Axon
Axons pass messages from the cell body down to the terminals so that a message can be relayed to surrounding cells.
They do this through a neural impulse that travels down the axon.
The axon is then covered with Myelin Sheath that insulates the axon.

5. Myelin Sheath
Myelin Sheaths cover the axon and speed up the neural impulse.
Basically the myelin sheath serves as insulation keeping the other axons in the area from interfering and keeping the electricity concentrated

6. Presynaptic Terminal
Presynaptic Terminals release neurotransmitter molecules
These molecules will then excite or be ignored by the next cell depending on the chemical or electricity that is released

7. Neurotubules Neurotubules provide structure to the terminals
In an Alzheimer’s patient these are often irregular

8. Synaptic Vessel Neurotransmitter
Synaptic Vessels are basically the delivery trucks for the neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitter
Neurotransmitters are released from the terminals and bind to the adjacent receptor sites.
This allows ions to enter the receiving neuron and excite or inhibit its firing

9. Receptor Sites
Receptor Sites are on the dendrites of the receiving cell.
They allow the correct neurotransmitters to adhere to the dendrite causing it to become excited or inhibited

10. Synaptic Gap
Synaptic Gaps are the spaces between the terminals and the receptor sites.
They essentially allow the brain to put a direction onto the flow of information since the firing is contingent on the correct neurotransmitter being released

11. Action Potential
Action Potential is the electrical impulse that travels down the neuron’s axon.
In neurons they are usually one way

12. Reuptake
After the neurotransmitters excite or inhibit the next cell any extra neurotransmitters are sucked back up and recycled by the terminal a process called reuptake.

13. Cocaine Cocaine is a reuptake inhibitor
It essentially blocks the reuptake process and allows dopamine to remain in the synaptic gap causing further firing of the cell