Neurons and synaptic transmission Flashcards
(17 cards)
Outline the function of a motor neuron. (1 marks)
The motor neuron connects the CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands.
What is the structure of a motor neuron? (1 mark)
It has short dendrites and long axons.
What do motor neurons do when they are stimulated? (1 mark)
The motor neuron will release neurotransmitters which bind to receptors on the muscle
What happens after the neurotransmitters bind to the receptors on the muscle? (motor neuron) (1 mark)
It triggers a response leading to muscle movement.
Outline the function of a sensory neuron. (1 marks)
The sensory neuron carries messages from the PNS (peripheral nervous system) to the CNS.
What is the structure of the sensory neuron? (1 mark)
It has long dendrites and short axons
What is the process before this happens: impulses reach the brain, they translated into sensations? (2 marks)
the sensory neurons convert information from sensory receptors into neural impulses
Outline the function of a relay neuron. (1 marks)
The relay neuron connects the sensory neuron to the motor neuron
What is the structure of the relay neuron? (1 mark)
It has short dendrites and long axons
What is meant by excitation in reference to synaptic transmission? (2 marks)
the neurotransmitter increases the charge of the postsynaptic neuron, increasing the chance of the neuron firing and passing on the impulse.
What is meant by inhibition in reference to synaptic transmission? (2 marks)
the neurotransmitter increases the negative charge of the postsynaptic neuron, decreasing the chance of the neuron firing.
What are neurotransmitters? (1 mark)
They are chemical messengers that carry signals across the synaptic gap to the receptor site.
What is stage 1 of synaptic transmission?
Action potential reaches the terminal button at the end of the axon to be transferred to another neuron.
what is stage 2 of synaptic transmission?
action potential needs to cross the synapse and synaptic gap.
What is stage 3 of synaptic transmission?
As the action potential reaches the synaptic vessels it releases neurotransmitters
what is stage 4 of synaptic transmission?
The neurotransmitters diffuse across the the synaptic gap and binds to receptors on the other side.
what is stage 5 of synaptic transmission?
Once they have been activated they will produce either an excitatory or effect.
