Chapter 3.1 - Neurons: the origins of Behaviour

Question 1

Explain the function of neurons

Answer 1

Neurins are cells in the nervous system that communicate with each other to perform information-processing tasks.

Question 2

Outline the components of the neuron

Answer 2

Cell body:
Dendrite
Axon

Question 3

Differentiate the three major types of neurons by their functions

Answer 3

Sensory neurons
Motor Neurons
Interneurons

Question 4

Function of Cell body

Answer 4

Largest component of the neuron that coordinates the information-processing tasks and keep the cell alive. Contains a nucleus; surrounded by a cell membrane

Question 5

Function of dendrites

Answer 5

Receive information from other neurons and relay it to the cell body

Question 6

Function of axon

Answer 6

Carries information to other neurons, muscles or glands.

Question 7

Myeline sheath

Answer 7

An insulating layer of fatty material

Question 8

Glial cells

Answer 8

Greek for “Glue”
support cells found in the nervous system.

Question 9

Nucleus

Answer 9

Houses chromosomes that house DNA

Question 10

Cell membrane

Answer 10

Allows molecules to flow in and out of the cell

Question 11

Demyelination

Answer 11

Deterioration of the myelin sheath; e.g. multiple sclerosis

Question 12

Synapse

Answer 12

Region/gap between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another; fundamental to communication between neurons

Question 13

Sensory Neurons

Answer 13

Receive information from the external world and send this information to the brain via the spinal cord

Question 14

Motor Neurons

Answer 14

Carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles, to produce movement

Question 15

Interneurons

Answer 15

Connect sensory neurons, motor neurons or other interneurons; carry information and perform information-processing functions

Question 16

Pyramidal cells

Answer 16

Cerebral cortex; triangular cell body and single, long dendrite + other smaller dendrites

Question 17

Purkinje cells

Answer 17

Interneuron; information from the cerebellum to the rest of the brain and the spinal cord; bush-like dendrites

Question 18

Bipolar cells

Answer 18

Sensory neuron found in the retinas of the eye; single axon + a single dendrite