Neuron Structure and Function
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Questions and Answers

Describe the structure and function of the axon terminal in a neuron.

The axon terminal contains synaptic vesicles that store neurotransmitters, which are released to relay the action potential at the synapse.

What is the role of the sensory division (afferent) in the nervous system?

The sensory division conveys messages into the central nervous system (CNS) by detecting changes through sensory receptors.

Explain the concept of electrical excitability in neuron cells.

Neuron cells with electrical excitability can respond to a stimulus and generate an action potential, relying on the movement of sodium and potassium ions.

What is the function of the motor division (efferent) in the nervous system?

<p>The motor division conveys messages from the CNS to effectors, allowing the organism to respond to stimuli.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the components and functions of the cell body (soma) in a neuron.

<p>The cell body contains the nucleus and typical cell components. It serves as the metabolic center of the neuron.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the dendrites in a neuron?

<p>Dendrites are the receiving portion of the neuron, responsible for receiving signals from other neurons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the synapse in the nervous system.

<p>The synapse serves as the site of communication between two neurons or a neuron and an effector cell, such as a muscle or gland.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of sensory/afferent neurons?

<p>They convey information to the CNS and send nerve impulses through axons to the CNS when a stimulus activates the sensory receptor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of astrocytes in the nervous system?

<p>Astrocytes provide strong support, protect neurons, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and allow nutrients to flow between neurons and capillaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of oligodendrocytes?

<p>Oligodendrocytes provide structural support and form/maintain the myelin sheath around CNS axons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is myelin sheath and how does it affect the rate of action potentials?

<p>Myelin sheath is a multi-layered lipid and protein covering around some axons that insulates them and increases the rate of action potentials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is multiple sclerosis and what are its symptoms?

<p>Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes progressive destruction of the myelin sheath. Its symptoms include muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, and double vision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the factors that affect the propagation speed of action potentials?

<p>Axon diameter, amount of myelination, and temperature are the factors that affect the propagation speed of action potentials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the resting membrane potential and its significance?

<p>The resting membrane potential is the charge of -70mV, and it plays a significant role in the muscle's ability to contract or reset for another contraction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is hyperpolarization and its effect on muscle contraction?

<p>Hyperpolarization occurs at -90mV and prevents the muscle from contracting again, causing a slight pause or reset for another contraction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Neuroglia is also known as the ______ of the nervous system

<p>glue</p> Signup and view all the answers

The thicker and more myelin you have, the greater is the magnitude of ______ response

<p>speed</p> Signup and view all the answers

Myelin sheath gaps are also known as nodes of ______

<p>Ranvier</p> Signup and view all the answers

Resting membrane potential of a neuron is approximately -70 ______

<p>mV</p> Signup and view all the answers

Astrocytes maintain the ______ brain barrier by maintaining the health of endothelial cells

<p>blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oligodendrocytes provide structural support and forms/maintains myelin sheath around ______ axons

<p>CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

Temperature influences the speed of action potential, with higher temperature resulting in ______ speed

<p>increased</p> Signup and view all the answers

Motor neuron innervates ALL the muscle fibers that it ______

<p>innervates</p> Signup and view all the answers


<p>Neuron Cells that possess “electrical excitability” Can respond to a stimulus and generate an action potential (reliant on sodium and potassium) Cell body (soma) - contains nucleus and typical cell components Dendrites - receiving portion of neuron Axon - sending portion of neuron Sends signal to another neuron, muscle fiber or gland Does not contain rough endoplasmic reticulum (thus no protein synthesis) Axon Terminal: Contains synaptic vesicles that contain neurotransmitters (relays the action potential) Synapse: site of communication between 2 neurons or a neuron and effector cell (muscle,gland) Sensory Division (i.e. Afferent): Conveys messages Into the CNS Motor Divisions (i.e. Effrent): Conveys messages from the CNS Functions of the nervous systems - general overview Sensory Detect changes through sensory receptors (i.e touching hot stove) Integrative Analyze incoming sensory information, store some aspects, and make decisions regarding appropriate behaviors Motor Respond to stimuli via effectors (i.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ portion of neuron

<p>sending</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ contains synaptic vesicles that contain neurotransmitters

<p>axon terminal</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is the site of communication between 2 neurons or a neuron and effector cell (muscle, gland)

<p>synapse</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Sensory Division (i.e. Afferent) conveys messages ______ the CNS

<p>Into</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Motor Divisions (i.e. Effrent) conveys messages from the ______

<p>CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Detect changes through sensory receptors (i.e touching hot stove)

<p>Sensory</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cell Body (Soma)

The neuron's cell body, containing the nucleus and essential cell components, serves as the neuron's metabolic center.

Dendrites

The receiving portion of a neuron, collecting signals from other neurons.

Axon

The sending portion of a neuron, transmitting signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Axon Terminal

A specialized structure at the end of the axon, containing synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitters.

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Synapse

The gap between neurons or between a neuron and an effector cell, where communication takes place through neurotransmitter release.

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Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers stored in synaptic vesicles and released into the synapse to transmit signals between neurons or between a neuron and an effector cell.

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Electrical Excitability

The ability of a neuron to respond to a stimulus and generate an action potential, relying on the movement of sodium and potassium ions.

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Sensory Division (Afferent)

The division of the nervous system that conveys messages from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (CNS)

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Motor Division (Efferent)

The division of the nervous system that conveys messages from the CNS to effectors, such as muscles and glands.

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Neuroglia (Glial Cells)

Specialized cells that support and protect neurons in the nervous system.

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Astrocytes

A type of neuroglia that provides structural support, maintains blood-brain barrier, and transports nutrients to neurons.

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Oligodendrocytes

A type of neuroglia that forms the myelin sheath around axons in the central nervous system (CNS).

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Myelin Sheath

A multi-layered lipid and protein covering that insulates axons, increasing the speed of action potential transmission.

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Nodes of Ranvier

The gaps between segments of myelin sheath on an axon, where action potentials can jump, increasing the speed of conduction.

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disease that causes progressive destruction of the myelin sheath, leading to neurological symptoms like muscle weakness, sensory disturbances, and vision problems.

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Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)

The difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a neuron when the neuron is at rest.

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Hyperpolarization

The process of a neuron becoming more negative inside relative to the outside, making it less likely to fire an action potential.

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Sensory/Afferent Neurons

The neurons that convey sensory information from sensory receptors to the CNS.

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Motor/Efferent Neurons

The neurons that convey motor commands from the CNS to effectors, such as muscles and glands.

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Interneurons

A type of nerve cell that connects sensory neurons to motor neurons, helping to integrate and process information within the CNS.

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Action Potential Propagation Speed

The speed at which an action potential travels along an axon, influenced by factors such as axon diameter, myelination, and temperature.

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Saltatory Conduction

The process by which an action potential jumps from node to node along a myelinated axon, increasing the speed of conduction.

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Axon Diameter

The diameter of an axon influences action potential speed, with thicker axons allowing for faster conduction.

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Myelination

The presence of myelin sheath increases action potential speed by allowing for saltatory conduction.

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Temperature

Temperature affects action potential speed, with higher temperatures resulting in faster conduction.

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All-or-None Principle

The principle that a neuron will either fire an action potential fully or not at all, there is no 'halfway' signal.

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Refractory Period

The brief period after an action potential when a neuron is less likely to fire another action potential, ensuring proper signal timing and direction.

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Depolarization

The process of a neuron becoming more positive inside relative to the outside, making it more likely to fire an action potential.

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Repolarization

The process of a neuron returning to its resting membrane potential after an action potential.

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