Neurons Flashcards
(12 cards)
What do neurons do?
Send electrical and chemical messages around the body to then be directed to the CNS
Where is the DNA of a neuron stored?
In the nucleus in the cell body
What do the dendrites do?
Carry the electrical charges from one neuron to the next
What does the axon do?
Carries the electrical charge down the length of the neuron and is covered in a protective fatty myelin sheath
What does the myelin sheath do?
made up of schwann cells, protects the axon
What are the Nodes of Ranvier?
Gaps in the myelin sheath that speeds up the message’s transmission
What do sensory neurons do?
Send information from the PNS towards the CNS and keep the brain informed about the external and internal environment
What are the characteristics of a sensory neuron?
Long dendrites, short axons, cell body on the side, messages are one-way
What do relay neurons do?
Connect sensory neurons to motor neurons and carry messages across the CNS
What are characteristics of a relay neuron?
Short axons, short dendrites, messages are two-way
What do motor neurons do?
Carry signals from the CNS towards the PNS, controls physical movements
What are the characteristics of a motor neuron?
Short dendrites, long axons, messages are two-way
