Neuron Anatomy Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is a dendrite?

Signal receiving site on a neuron

What is an axon terminal?

End of the neuron, has vesicles and releases neurotransmitter into the synapse

What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?

Part of the neuron that contains the nucleus

What is myelin sheath?

Fatty white substance that surrounds the axon of some nerve cells, forming an electrically insulating layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the nucleus in a cell?

A dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a single rounded structure bounded by a double membrane, containing the genetic material Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Schwann cells?

Produce the myelin sheath around the neuronal axons Signup and view all the answers

What are the nodes of Ranvier?

Microscopic gaps found within myelinated axons Signup and view all the answers

What is an axon?

Longest part of the neuron, sends an electrical signal down the neuron from the cell body to the axon terminals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neuron Structure and Functions

Dendrite: Site where signals are received on a neuron; crucial for input and communication within the nervous system.
Axon Terminal: Endpoint of a neuron that contains vesicles; crucial for neurotransmitter release into the synapse, facilitating inter-neuronal communication.
Cell Body: Central part of the neuron housing the nucleus; vital for maintaining the neuron and processing information.

Myelin and Neuronal Support

Myelin Sheath: Fatty insulating layer around some axons; enhances electrical signal transmission and improves speed of signal propagation.
Schwann Cell: Specialized cells responsible for producing the myelin sheath around axonal structures; essential for peripheral nerve functionality.
Node of Ranvier: Small gaps within myelinated axons; critical for saltatory conduction, increasing signal transmission speed.

Genetic and Structural Components

Nucleus: Dense organelle in eukaryotic cells, surrounded by a double membrane; contains genetic material, essential for cell functions and reproduction.
Axon: The longest segment of a neuron; conducts electrical impulses from the cell body to the axon terminals, playing a key role in neuron signaling.