Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one primary function of the nervous system?
What is one primary function of the nervous system?
What role do synapses play in neuronal communication?
What role do synapses play in neuronal communication?
Which part of the neuron is responsible for generating and propagating electrical impulses?
Which part of the neuron is responsible for generating and propagating electrical impulses?
What can affect the propagation speed of electrical impulses in axons?
What can affect the propagation speed of electrical impulses in axons?
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What is a characteristic feature of dendritic arbors in neurons?
What is a characteristic feature of dendritic arbors in neurons?
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What is the function of ependymal cells in the central nervous system?
What is the function of ependymal cells in the central nervous system?
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What function do astrocytes serve in the nervous system?
What function do astrocytes serve in the nervous system?
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How many synaptic inputs can a neuron receive?
How many synaptic inputs can a neuron receive?
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Study Notes
Nervous System Function
- Nervous systems enable fast, long-range communication in multicellular organisms.
- Functions include:
- Sensation: gathering information from the environment.
- Integration: processing sensory information and past experiences to determine a response.
- Response: communicating signals to muscles and glands.
Neuron Structure and Function
Neuron Defining Features
- Electrical excitability: All cells have a resting membrane potential; changes in potential can regulate function (e.g., in Paramecium).
- Synaptic connections: Create networks converting electrical signals to chemical signals for communication.
Neuron Typical Features
- Dendritic arbours: Extensive branching crucial for receiving signals from other neurons (input cable); number of inputs correlates with dendritic complexity. The number of inputs to a single neuron ranges from 1 to 100,000.
- Soma (cell body): Integrates dendritic input, containing organelles for basic cell functions.
- Axon: Carries electrical impulses to target cells (output cable); myelination speeds impulse transmission; can be meters long.
Other Nervous System Cells
Sensory Receptor Cells
- Specialized cells transducing sensory input, including:
- Hair cells (hearing and balance).
- Photoreceptors (vision).
- Merkel cells (touch).
Neuroglia
- Ependymal cells (CNS): Line central cavities, move cerebrospinal fluid with cilia, and issues like hydrocephalus (fluid buildup) affect their function.
- Astrocytes/Satellite cells: Regulate neuron's chemical and physical environment (e.g. ionic homeostasis and synaptic function); in the CNS and PNS respectively.
- Oligodendrocytes/Schwann cells: Create myelin sheaths surrounding axons, crucial for rapid action potential conduction.
- Microglia: Immune cells, generally inactive, but can act as immune effectors.
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Description
Explore the intricate functions of the nervous system, including sensation, integration, and response mechanisms in multicellular organisms. Delve into the structure and defining features of neurons, such as electrical excitability and dendritic arbors, which are essential for communication between cells.
