Nerve Cell Structure and Function Quiz

Nerve Fiber Physiology

• Membrane polarization, depolarization, and repolarization occur across the axon of myelinated nerve fibers.
• An action potential occurs when depolarization happens rapidly, reversing the membrane polarity and making the inner surface positive relative to the outer surface.
• Repolarization follows depolarization, restoring the resting membrane potential.

Synaptic Communication

• The gap between the terminal button of one neuron and the cell membrane of another neuron is known as the synaptic cleft.

Neuronal Properties

• The ability of a nerve to respond to stimuli is referred to as excitability.
• The minimal stimulus necessary to produce a propagated nerve impulse is called the threshold stimulus.

Function of Myelin Sheath

• The myelin sheath serves to insulate nerve fibers, increasing the speed of electrical impulses and facilitating efficient signal transmission.

Neuron Structure and Function

• Axons conduct nerve impulses away from the cell body, transmitting information to other neurons or muscles.
• Dendrites are responsible for receiving signals from other neurons, playing a crucial role in synaptic transmission.

Myelin Formation

• The myelin sheath around the nerve fiber is formed by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.

Dendritic Fiber Types

• In peripheral nerves, dendrites primarily consist of sensory nerve fibers that facilitate the transmission of sensory information.