Neurotransmission

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

Nerve cell that transmits signals electrically

Question 2

Cell body of neuron

Answer 2

Includes nucleus containing genetic material

Question 3

Dendrites

Answer 3

Carry impulses from neighbouring neurons towards the cell body

Question 4

Axon

Answer 4

Tube like structure that carries impulses away from cell body down the length of neuron

Question 5

Myelin sheath

Answer 5

Fatty layer that protects axon and speeds up electrical transmission

Question 6

Nodes of ranvier

Answer 6

Gaps in myelin sheath that allows an increase of speed by facing impulses to ‘jump’ across the gaps

Question 7

Terminal buttons

Answer 7

End of the axon
Involved in communications across the gap (synapse)

Question 8

Sensory neurons

Answer 8

Carry messages from sensory receptors along nerves in peripheral nervous system to CNS
Have long dendrites and short axons

Question 9

Motor neurons

Answer 9

Carry messages from CNS along nerves in peripheral nervous system to effectors
Short dendrites and long axons

Question 10

Relay neurons

Answer 10

Connect sensory and motor neurons together and connects other relay neurons
Have short dendrites and axons
Only found in CNS

Question 11

Describe the process of synaptic transmission (3 marks)

Answer 11

Electric impulse is sent along the axon of the presynaptic neuron.
When it reaches the axon terminal button is triggers a release of a neurotransmitter into the synaptic gap
It diffuses across the synaptic gap and attaches to the receptors on the post synaptic neuron

Question 12

GABA

Answer 12

Inhibitor
Calming effect

Question 13

Dopamine

Answer 13

Pleasure feelings
Addiction

Question 14

Serotonin

Answer 14

Happiness and good mood

Question 15

What happens if there is a low level of serotonin

Answer 15

Depression

Question 16

Noradrenaline

Answer 16

Attention
Prepares for fight/flight

Question 17

Acetylcholine

Answer 17

Thinking, learning