Neurons

Question 1

Identify the three main parts of a neuron and their functions.

Answer 1

The dendrite receives the nerves

The axon transmits the nerves

The cell body carries the nucleus

Question 2

Describe the myelin sheath and nodes of Ranvier. How does their arrangement allow nerve impulses to travel very rapidly along axons?

Answer 2

Myelin sheaths are insulators spread out along an axon.

Nodes of Ranvier are the gaps in between the myelin sheath.

Nerve impulses travel from node to node, so the gaps allow faster travel along axons.

Question 3

What is a synapse?

Answer 3

Complex memory junction that transmit signals to other cells

Question 4

Define neurogenesis. What is the potential for neurogenesis in the human brain?

Answer 4

The production of new neurons

The production in the human brain is low

Question 5

Relate neurons to different types of nervous tissues.

Answer 5

White Matter: Axons with myelin sheaths

Gray Matter: Cell bodies of neurons

Question 6

Compare and contrast sensory and motor neurons.

Answer 6

Both:
- Carry nerve impulses

Sensory neurons:
- Change external stimuli into nerve impulses
- Carries nerve impulses towards the brain

Motor neurons:
- Change nerve impulses into activation for muscles and glands
- Carries nerve impulses towards the body

Question 7

Identify the role of interneurons.

Answer 7

Carry nerve impulses in between sensory and motor neurons

Question 8

Identify whether it is a sensory neuron, motor neuron, or interneuron:

A neuron in the spinal cord receives touch information and then transmits that information to another spinal cord neuron that controls the movement of an arm muscle.

Answer 8

Interneuron

Question 9

Identify whether it is a sensory neuron, motor neuron, or interneuron:

A neuron that takes taste information from your tongue and sends it to your brain.

Answer 9

Sensory neuron

Question 10

Identify whether it is a sensory neuron, motor neuron, or interneuron:

A spinal cord neuron stimulates a muscle to contract.

Answer 10

Motor neuron

Question 11

The myelin sheath is made by:

A. Sensory neurons
B. White neurons
C. Peripheral nervous system neurons
D. Glial cells

Answer 11

D. Glial cells

Question 12

True or False. Synapses often exist where a dendrite and an axon terminal meet.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

There is only one axon terminal per neuron.

Answer 13

True