Neurons and Axons

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main function of neuroglia?

To support, nurture, and protect neurons (correct)

To regulate the autonomic nervous system

To transmit nerve impulses

To produce neurotransmitters

Which type of neuron carries impulses from the sensory receptors?

Motor neurons

Interneurons

Sensory neurons (correct)

Cerebellar neurons

What is the gap between adjacent neurons called?

Synapse

Synaptic cleft (correct)

Neurotransmitter gap

Axonal gap

Where are most neuron cell bodies located?

In the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of axonal terminals?

To release neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuroglia are found in the peripheral nervous system?

Schwann cells and satellite cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the junction between two neurons?

Synapse Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron connects sensory and motor neurons?

Interneurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of Schwann cells in nerve fibers?

To produce myelin sheaths Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the gaps in the myelin sheath along the axon?

Nodes of Ranvier Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between neuroglia and neurons?

Neuroglia can divide, but neurons cannot Signup and view all the answers

What is the outermost layer of protective connective tissue covering a peripheral nerve?

Epineurium Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the aggregates of myelinated axons in the nervous system?

White matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure that forms the brain and spinal cord during embryonic development?

Neural tube Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ventricles in the brain?

To produce cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the type of brain tumors that involve neuroglial cells?

Gliomas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of neuroglia?

To provide nourishment and support to neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of the central nervous system?

To integrate and process sensory information Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for nerve fibers that carry information to the central nervous system?

Afferent division Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of neurons?

Providing nourishment to other neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of interpreting and processing sensory information?

Integration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of the autonomic nervous system?

Involuntary heart rate regulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the peripheral nervous system?

To transmit information to and from the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the central nervous system?

Nerve outside the brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functional Classification of Neurons

Sensory (afferent) neurons carry impulses from sensory receptors, including cutaneous sense organs and proprioceptors that detect stretch or tension.
Motor (efferent) neurons carry impulses from the central nervous system.
Interneurons (association neurons) connect sensory and motor neurons and are found in neural pathways in the central nervous system.

Axons and Nerve Impulses

Axons end in axonal terminals containing vesicles with neurotransmitters.
Axonal terminals are separated from the next neuron by a gap called the synaptic cleft.
The junction between nerves is called a synapse.

Neuron Cell Body Location

Most neuron cell bodies are found in the central nervous system, specifically in gray matter.
Gray matter contains cell bodies and unmyelinated fibers.
Nuclei are clusters of cell bodies within the white matter of the central nervous system.
Ganglia are collections of cell bodies outside the central nervous system.

Neuroglia

Neuroglia support, nurture, and protect neurons and maintain the interstitial fluid that bathes them.
In the CNS, neuroglia include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells.
In the PNS, neuroglia include Schwann cells and satellite cells.

Functions of the Nervous System

Sensory input involves gathering information from inside and outside the body.
Integration involves processing and interpreting sensory input and deciding if action is needed.
Motor output involves responding to integrated stimuli, which activates muscles or glands.

Structural Classification of the Nervous System

The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Functional Classification of the Peripheral Nervous System

The sensory (afferent) division carries information to the central nervous system.
The motor (efferent) division carries impulses away from the central nervous system and has two subdivisions: the somatic nervous system (voluntary) and the autonomic nervous system (involuntary).

Nerve Fiber Coverings

Schwann cells produce myelin sheaths in a jelly-roll-like fashion.
Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath along the axon.

Neuroglia vs. Neurons

Neuroglia divide, while neurons do not.
Most brain tumors involve neuroglia cells, not neurons.

Peripheral Nerves

Each spinal nerve (and cranial nerve) contains layers of protective connective tissue coverings.
Individual axons are wrapped in endoneurium, and groups of axons are arranged in bundles called fascicles, each wrapped in perineurium.
The superficial covering over the entire nerve is the epineurium.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the functional classification of neurons and the structure of axons. It includes topics such as sensory, motor, and interneurons, as well as axonal terminals and neurotransmitters.