topic 5: neurons 1 Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the primary function of the CNS?
Integrates incoming information and determines a response.
What types of information can the CNS detect?
External and internal environment information.
What type of neurons are primarily found in the CNS?
Interneurons.
What is the role of the PNS?
Passes information from CNS to the rest of the body.
What do afferent neurons do?
Transmit information TO the CNS.
What are sensory neurons?
A type of afferent neuron.
What do efferent neurons do?
Transmit information FROM the CNS.
What is the function of somatic (motor) neurons?
Initiate skeletal muscle contraction.
What are the two types of autonomic neurons?
- Sympathetic
- Parasympathetic
Where are enteric neurons found?
Entirely within the gut.
What are neurons specialized for?
Transmit electrical signals and communicate via neurotransmitters.
What are glial cells?
Support cells in the nervous system.
Name two types of glial cells that produce myelin.
- Schwann cells
- Oligodendrocytes
What is the function of astrocytes?
Help form the blood-brain barrier and support neuron health.
What role do microglia play in the CNS?
Act as immune cells and remove foreign invaders and damaged cells.
What do ependymal cells do?
Create selectively permeable barriers and are a source of neuronal stem cells.
What structure do dendrites have, and why?
Thin and many to increase surface area for receiving messages.
What is the primary function of axons?
Carry outgoing information.
What is an action potential?
An electrical signal propagated along the axon.
What is the axon hillock?
The initial segment where specific electrical potentials are initiated.
What is myelination?
The process of producing lipid-rich layers that wrap around axons.
How many neurons can one oligodendrocyte cover?
3-50 neurons.
What happens to neurons that are not myelinated?
They do not conduct messages as quickly.
Fill in the blank: Neurons have dramatically expanded ______ due to size and extensiveness of cell projections.
RER
