GIANT NERVE CELLS OF SQUID Flashcards

(5 cards)

1
Q

Why is it easier to study giant nerve cells of squids?

A

Squid axons and synapses are large enough to allow observations and experiments that are impossible on most other nerve cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the general size of the axons in giant nerve cells in squids?

A

1 mm in diameter which is 100 to 1000 times larger than mammalian axons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What did the first experiments yield?

A

First recordings of action potentials.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Why are neurons larger in squids?

A

They evolved for survival. Larger axonal diameter allows for faster conduction of action potentials, thus allowing faster the squid to escape from enemies.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the structure of squid neurons?

A

1st-level and 2nd-level neurons originate from the brain while 3rd-level are in the stellate ganglion and go on to innervate the rest of the body. The 2nd-level neuron branches into giant synapses that each synapse with a 3rd-level neuron.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly