structure of neurons

Question 1

What is the primary function of neurons?

Answer 1

Transmit messages throughout the body

Neurons are specialized cells responsible for carrying electrical signals.

Question 2

What are dendrites?

Answer 2

Structures that receive messages from other neurons

Dendrites extend from the neuron cell body and are crucial for communication.

Question 3

What is a Schwann cell?

Answer 3

Cell that forms the myelin sheath around neurons in the PNS

Schwann cells are essential for the proper functioning of peripheral nerves.

Question 4

What is the main part of a neuron called?

Answer 4

Cell body

The cell body contains the nucleus and organelles of the neuron.

Question 5

What do sensory neurons do?

Answer 5

Transmit information from sensory receptors to the CNS

Sensory neurons play a key role in processing external stimuli.

Question 6

What is the function of motor neurons?

Answer 6

Carry commands from the CNS to muscles and glands

Motor neurons are vital for initiating movement.

Question 7

what is the myelin sheath?

Answer 7

fatty acids that act as insulation to help speed up transmission

Question 8

what are the nodes of ranvier?

Answer 8

gaps in the myelin sheath that speed up transmission due to ‘jumping’ over gaps

Question 9

What is the primary function of relay neurons?

Answer 9

To transmit signals between sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

Question 10

what is the process of synaptic transmission?

Answer 10

1. neuron positively changed (depolarised) when stimulus is encountered
2. electrical impulse travels down axon
3. vesicles form at the end of the terminal containing neurotransmitters
4. electrical impulse pushes vesicles out neuron
5. neurotransmitters bind to receptor sites on dendrites of post synaptic neuron
6. messages travel in one direction

Question 11

What happens when an excitatory neurotransmitter binds to the postsynaptic neuron?

Answer 11

The postsynaptic neuron is more likely to fire an action potential.

Question 12

What is summation in the context of neurotransmitters?

Answer 12

Summation is the process of calculating whether the postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential based on the net effect of excitatory and inhibitory influences.

Question 13

What determines if the postsynaptic neuron fires an action potential?

Answer 13

If the net effect is more excitatory, it is more likely to fire; if more inhibitory, it is less likely to fire.