Neurons and Nerve Cells Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of sensory neurons?

Produce myelin in the CNS

Integrate and process sensory information

Transmit signals from CNS to muscles

Carry signals from sensory receptors to the CNS (correct)

Which type of neuron is primarily involved in coordinating movement and glandular secretions?

Motor neurons (correct)

Sensory neurons

Interneurons

Glial cells

Which type of glial cell is responsible for maintaining the blood-brain barrier?

Astrocytes (correct)

Microglia

Ependymal cells

Oligodendrocytes

What distinguishes Golgi type I neurons from Golgi type II neurons?

Golgi type II appears star-shaped due to axonal structure Signup and view all the answers

What is a key role of microglia in the nervous system?

Phagocytize pathogens and debris Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cell type is primarily accountable for myelination in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Schwann cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when astrocytes proliferate after neuronal death?

Replacement gliosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of satellite cells in the PNS?

Surround neuron cell bodies for structural support Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

Collect signals from other neurons Signup and view all the answers

Where are the nuclei of nerve cell bodies located?

Within the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the rapid transmission of nerve impulses along myelinated axons?

Saltatory conduction Signup and view all the answers

What structure is responsible for carrying nerve impulses away from the cell body?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of neurons has a single process that splits into two branches?

Unipolar neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of axon transport in neurons?

To transport materials between the cell body and axon terminals Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron is specialized to receive input from a specific sensory receptor?

Bipolar neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a neuron contains the nucleus and essential organelles?

Soma Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neurons/Nerve Cells

Specialized cells for transmitting nerve impulses and communicating via synapses.
Electrically excitable nature facilitates communication with other cells.

Dendrites

Tree-like extensions from the soma acting as primary receivers of information.
Collect signals from other neurons at synaptic junctions.

Cell Body/Soma/Perikaryon

Central part of the neuron containing the nucleus and essential organelles.
Control center for neuron’s life, ensuring proper functioning.
Nuclei found within the CNS; ganglia located outside the CNS.

Axon/Nerve Fiber

Functions as an electric cable transmitting action potentials from the cell body.
Axolemma: membrane of the axon; Axoplasm: cytoplasm of the axon.
Saltatory conduction allows rapid nerve impulse transmission along myelinated axons, jumping at Nodes of Ranvier.
Axon transport includes orthograde (away from the cell body) and retrograde (towards the cell body) transport.
Telodendria are fine, branching extensions at the axon’s end, transmitting impulses away from the cell body.

Anatomical Classification of Neurons

Unipolar/Pseudounipolar Neurons: Single process splitting into peripheral and central branches; primarily sensory neurons in the PNS.
Bipolar Neurons: Two processes (one axon, one dendrite); specialized to receive input from specific sensory receptors.
Multipolar Neurons: One axon and multiple dendrites allow input from multiple neurons and transmission to various targets.

Functional Classification of Neurons

Sensory Neurons (Afferent): Carry signals from sensory receptors to the CNS, informing about the environment.
Interneurons: Integrate sensory information, relay signals, and contribute to cognitive functions like learning and memory.
Motor Neurons (Efferent): Transmit signals from the CNS to muscles and glands, coordinating bodily functions.

Relative Lengths of Axons and Dendrites

Golgi Type I: Short, numerous dendrites; long axons (up to one meter) connecting different CNS parts.
Golgi Type II (Microneurons): Axons resemble dendrites morphologically, giving a star-like appearance.

Neuroglia/Glial Cells

Non-neuronal cells crucial for supporting neuron health and activity.
Provide essential functions for maintaining nervous system health.

Glial Cells in the CNS

Astrocytes: Offer structural support, maintain the blood-brain barrier, regulate neurotransmitters, supply nutrients, and remove waste.
Oligodendrocytes: Produce myelin in the CNS for insulation.
Microglia: Act as immune cells for the brain, engulfing pathogens and debris.
Ependymal Cells: Line brain ventricles and spinal canal; produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
After neuron death, astrocytes proliferate in a process called replacement gliosis.
Glioblastoma multiforme, a lethal brain tumor, arises from astrocytes and has a life expectancy of 2-3 months.

Glial Cells in the PNS

Schwann Cells: Responsible for myelination in the PNS.
Satellite Cells: Surround neuron cell bodies in PNS, providing structural support and regulating the local microenvironment.

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Description

Test your knowledge on neurons, dendrites, and the structure of nerve cells with this quiz. Learn about specialized cell functions and the connections that facilitate communication in the nervous system. Perfect for biology students studying neuroscience or related fields.