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Questions and Answers
What is triggered when enough neurotransmitters bind to post-synaptic receptors?
What is triggered when enough neurotransmitters bind to post-synaptic receptors?
Which part of the neuron structure is responsible for receiving signals from sensory receptor cells?
Which part of the neuron structure is responsible for receiving signals from sensory receptor cells?
What occurs during the phase of rapid depolarization in an action potential?
What occurs during the phase of rapid depolarization in an action potential?
How does the presence of myelin sheath affect the conduction of action potentials?
How does the presence of myelin sheath affect the conduction of action potentials?
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What is the main characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis?
What is the main characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis?
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What is the role of the reflex arc in neuron transmission measurement?
What is the role of the reflex arc in neuron transmission measurement?
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What condition is commonly associated with degeneration of motor neurons and leads to muscle weakness and paralysis?
What condition is commonly associated with degeneration of motor neurons and leads to muscle weakness and paralysis?
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What does the term 'saltatory conduction' refer to in the context of neural transmission?
What does the term 'saltatory conduction' refer to in the context of neural transmission?
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Which type of neurons is characterized by output directed towards muscle cells?
Which type of neurons is characterized by output directed towards muscle cells?
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Why is it challenging to measure individual electron activity in neurons?
Why is it challenging to measure individual electron activity in neurons?
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Study Notes
Neuron Structure and Function: Input and Output
- Neurons receive input through sensory transduction, converting external stimuli (light, sound, touch, chemicals) into electrical signals.
Synaptic Transmission
- Neurotransmitters are released from vesicles at the pre-synaptic terminal.
- Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the post-synaptic terminal, activating the neuron if the threshold is reached.
- This process is analogous to a "lock and key" mechanism.
The Action Potential
- An action potential is a rapid change in electrical potential across the neuron's membrane.
- Neurotransmitter binding opens ion channels, allowing ions to flow.
- This triggers a cascade that leads to depolarization and, if sufficient, the neuron "fires."
- Repolarization occurs, followed by a recovery period.
Saltatory Conduction
- Action potentials jump between nodes of Ranvier.
- Myelin sheaths insulate axons, preventing ion leakage.
- This significantly speeds up signal transmission.
Multiple Sclerosis
- Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that damages the myelin sheath.
- This leads to various symptoms, including numbness, impaired vision, paralysis, and dizziness in the sensory and motor system.
Measuring Neuron Transmission
- Direct measurement of individual electrons in neurons is not possible due to their small size.
- Local field potentials allow measurement of a small group of neurons, making it possible to detect neural activity in humans.
- Single-neuron recordings are possible in some animal models (e.g., mice).
Types of Neurons
- Sensory neurons receive input from sensory receptor cells directly.
- Motor neurons transmit signals to muscles.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease. This devastating neurological disorder causes the motor neurons to degenerate, leading to weakness, paralysis, and ultimately death.
The Reflex Arc (Knee-Jerk Reflex)
- A basic reflex arc provides a simple way to measure neuron function.
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Description
Test your knowledge on how neurons work, including the processes of synaptic transmission, action potentials, and saltatory conduction. Understand the essential roles that neurotransmitters and myelin sheaths play in neural communication.
