The structure and functions of neurons Flashcards
(12 cards)
Neuron
Cells that carry information throughout the body. They do this via electrical and chemical signals (neurotransmitters) There are 100 billion neurons in the human body
What are the 3 types of Neuron’s in humans?
- Sensory
- Relay
- Motor
What do neuron’s typically consist of?
A cell body, dendrites and an axon.
What do dendrites do?
They receive signals from other neurons or from sensory receptors.
What are dendrites connected to?
The cell body
What are the 3 main components of a neuron?
- Dendrites
- Cell body
- Axon (axon terminals)
What is the cell body of a neuron?
It is the control centre of the neuron.
What is the cell body connected to?
The axon
What is the role of the axon?
The axon is where the impulse is carried along and it terminates at the axon terminal.
What is the myelin sheath?
A fatty layer that covers the axon
What is the purpose of the myelin sheath?
It protects the axon and speeds up the electrical transmission of the impulse.
What is the purpose of sensory neurons?
They carry messages from the sensory receptors in the PNS to the CNS (either in the brain or the spine)