Neuron Structure and Function

Which organelle completely surrounds the nucleus of a neuron and appears as a dark brown network?

What is the main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum in a neuron?

Which part of the neuron is highly metabolically active and contains organelles and inclusions?

What structures supply the high energy requirements of a neuron, especially near the axon terminals?

What happens to Nissl's granules (rough endoplasmic reticulum) in a neuron upon injury?

Which part of the neuron has a large, central, and rounded structure, with a thick nuclear membrane and a prominent nucleolus?

What is the function of neurotubules in neurons?

Where is melanin pigment primarily present in the nervous system?

What is the primary function of lysosomes in neurons?

Where are lipofuscin pigment levels known to increase?

Which type of nerve cells have only one process and no dendrites?

What is the purpose of lipid droplets and glycogen in neurons?

Where are bipolar nerve cells found?

What is a characteristic feature of pyramidal nerve cells?

Which type of neuron has short axons, like those found in the retina and cerebral cortex?

Where are sensory neurons present?

Which type of neurons connect sensory and motor neurons in the reflex arc of the spinal cord?

In which part of the body are stellate neurons typically found?

Neuron Structure

The organelle that completely surrounds the nucleus of a neuron and appears as a dark brown network is the Nissl's granules or rough endoplasmic reticulum.
The main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum in a neuron is to synthesize proteins.
The perikaryon, also known as the cell body, is highly metabolically active and contains organelles and inclusions.
Mitochondria supply the high energy requirements of a neuron, especially near the axon terminals.

Nissl's Granules and Injury

Upon injury, Nissl's granules (rough endoplasmic reticulum) in a neuron undergo chromatolysis, which is the dissolution of Nissl's granules.

Neuron Characteristics

The nucleus of a neuron has a large, central, and rounded structure, with a thick nuclear membrane and a prominent nucleolus.
Neurotubules provide structural support, shape, and transport of materials within neurons.
Melanin pigment is primarily present in the nervous system, specifically in the substantia nigra and locus ceruleus.

Lysosomes and Pigments

The primary function of lysosomes in neurons is to break down and recycle cellular waste and debris.
Lipofuscin pigment levels are known to increase with age, especially in the heart and nerve cells.

Types of Neurons

Unipolar neurons have only one process and no dendrites.
Lipid droplets and glycogen in neurons serve as energy storage.
Bipolar nerve cells are found in the retina and inner ear.
Pyramidal nerve cells have a characteristic pyramidal shape with a triangular cell body.
Stellate neurons are star-shaped and typically found in the cerebral cortex.
Interneurons connect sensory and motor neurons in the reflex arc of the spinal cord.
Sensory neurons are present in the sensory organs, such as the eyes, ears, and skin.

Learn about the structural and functional characteristics of neurons, the basic unit of the nervous system. Explore the components of a nerve cell body and the functions of dendrites and axons.