Neuron Structure & Function

Sensory neurons detect changes in the internal or external environment and transmit that information to the central nervous system.

Interneurons are located entirely within the central nervous system and facilitate communication between sensory and motor neurons.

The four main structures are the soma (cell body), dendrites (receive signals), axon (transmits signals), and terminal buttons (release neurotransmitters).

<p>Local interneurons form circuits with nearby neurons, while relay interneurons connect circuits of local interneurons across different brain regions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The soma contains the nucleus and machinery essential for the neuron's life processes, including metabolism and maintenance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dendrites primarily receive messages from the terminal buttons of other neurons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The synapse is a junction where communication occurs, allowing messages to pass from the terminal button of one neuron to the membrane of another in one direction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An axon is a long, slender tube that carries information from the cell body to terminal buttons, often covered by a myelin sheath.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An action potential is a brief electrical/chemical event that starts at the axon near the cell body and travels to the terminal buttons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The myelin sheath is a fatty covering that increases the speed of conduction in nerves, allowing for faster signal transmission.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>At branching points, the action potential splits but maintains its size and strength, with each branch receiving a full strength action potential.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The neurolemma protects and holds the long, thin axon together and is made up of Schwann cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The term 'dendrite' originates from the Greek word 'dendron', which means tree, reflecting its branched, tree-like structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The neuron's membrane defines the cell's boundary and regulates substances entering and exiting the cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mitochondria break down nutrients like glucose to produce ATP, which serves as an energy source for the neuron.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>These proteins detect external substances, control cellular access, and facilitate transport of molecules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chromosomes are long strands of DNA that contain genes, which direct the synthesis of proteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genes are segments of chromosomes that provide instructions for synthesizing proteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Multipolar neurons have one axon and many dendrites, whereas bipolar neurons have one of each, and unipolar neurons have one axon that divides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sensory bipolar neurons detect events in the environment and communicate information about these events to the CNS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Unipolar neurons have a single axon that splits into two branches: one that receives sensory information and another that sends this information to the CNS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Terminal buttons secrete neurotransmitters when an action potential reaches them, which can excite or inhibit the receiving cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nerves, which are bundles of many thousands of individual fibers wrapped in a protective membrane, allow communication between the CNS and the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Multipolar neurons have multiple dendrites, bipolar neurons have one axon and one dendrite, while unipolar neurons have a single axon that branches.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An action potential triggers the terminal buttons to release neurotransmitters, facilitating synaptic communication between neurons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The dendrites of unipolar neurons detect sensory information from the environment, such as touch and temperature changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The cytoskeleton is a matrix of insoluble protein strands that gives the neuron its shape and structural support.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Enzymes facilitate the joining or splitting of molecules, determining which substances are synthesized or maintained in the cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microtubules serve as tracks guiding the transport of substances along the axon, facilitating the efficient movement of materials between the soma and terminal buttons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Anterograde axoplasmic transport moves substances from the soma to terminal buttons, while retrograde transport carries substances back to the soma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The energy for axoplasmic transport is provided by ATP, which is produced by the mitochondria.</p> Signup and view all the answers