Neuron structure and Function

Question 1

Neurons (AO1)

Answer 1

The main building blocks of the nervous system and have a structure that is specialised to their function.

Question 2

What are Dendrites?

Answer 2

Input sites where signals are received from other neurons.

Question 3

Action Potential Transmission

Answer 3

1. A signal is received from another neuron at dendrite input sites.
2. The signal is transmitted electrically across the soma
3. The signal moves down the axon
4. The signal arrives at the terminal button that houses the neurotransmitters.
5. Synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters into the synapse

Question 4

What is a synapse?

Answer 4

A synapse is a very small space between two neurons. It is an important site where communication between neurons happens.

Question 5

What is a synaptic cleft?

Answer 5

The space between the two neurons.

Question 6

What is a synaptic knob

Answer 6

The bulb-shaped end of a neuron where it meets another neuron.

Question 7

What are synaptic vesicles?

Answer 7

Located in the synaptic knob and are where neurotransmitters are stored before release into the synaptic cleft.

Question 8

What is a neurotransmitter?

Answer 8

A chemical messenger that carries information from one neuron to another.

Question 9

What is a receptor?

Answer 9

Receptors (proteins on the cell surface where neurotransmitters attach) vary in shape.

Different shapes “match” different neurotransmitters.
The neurotransmitter and the receptor have what is known as a lock-key relationship. specific neurotransmitters fit specific receptors similar to how a key fits a lock.

Question 10

What is the relationship between neurotransmitters and receptors known as?

Answer 10

The lock-key relationship

Question 11

Where is the nucleus of a neuron located?

Answer 11

The soma (cell body)