neurons and synaptic transmission

Question 1

neuron

Answer 1

the basic building blocks of the nervous system, neurons are nerve cells that process and transmit messages through electrical and chemical signals

Question 2

sensory neurons

Answer 2

these carry messages from the PNS to the CNS. They have long dendrites and short axons

Question 3

relay neurons

Answer 3

these connect the sensory neurons to the motor or other relay neurons. They have short dendrites and short axons

Question 4

motor neurons

Answer 4

these connect the CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands. They have short dendrites and long axons

Question 5

synaptic transmission

Answer 5

the process by which neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages across the gap that seperates them

Question 6

neurotransmitter

Answer 6

brain chemicals released from synaptic vesicles that relay signals across the synapse from one neuron to another. Neurotransmitters can be broadly divided into those that perform an excitatory function and those that perform an inhibitory function

Question 7

excitation

Answer 7

when a neurotransmitter, such as adrenaline, increases the positive charge of the postsynaptic neuron. This increases the likelihood that the neuron will fire and pass on the electrical impulse

Question 8

inhibition

Answer 8

when a neurotransmitter, such as serotonin, makes the charge of the postsynapic neuron more negative. This decreases the likelihood that the neuron will fire and pass on the electrical impulse