Neurons and Neuronal Interfaces

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Questions and Answers

Match the following types of neurons with their descriptions:

Unipolar cells = Have a single process Bipolar cells = Have two processes Multipolar cells = Have three or more processes Pyramidal cells = Common shape in the cerebral cortex

Match the following components of a neuron with their functions:

Dendrites = Receive information from other neurons Axon = Transmits signals away from the cell body Cell body = Contains the nucleus and organelles Axon terminals = Release neurotransmitters

Match the following glial cells with their roles:

Astroglia = Support and maintain neurons Oligodendroglia = Form myelin sheath in the CNS Microglia = Act as immune defense in the brain Neurilema = Covers axons in the peripheral nervous system

Match the following processes occurring during learning to their characteristics:

<p>Dendritic growth = Occurs in many neurons during learning Neuronal recovery = Facilitated by neurilema in PNS Synaptic transmission = Involves axon terminals and dendrites Chemical competition = Drugs like LSD compete with neurotransmitters</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their correct definitions:

<p>Gap Junction = Membranes must be less than 2 nm apart Synapse = Interface between an axon terminal and another neuron Neurotransmitters = Chemical messengers released at synapses Myelin = Insulation around axons to facilitate signal transmission</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parts of a neuron with their associated structural features:

<p>Dendrites = Often contain numerous branches Axons = Typically longer and covered in myelin Cell body = Contains cytoplasm, nucleus, and nucleolus Axon terminals = Release transmitters to communicate with other cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of neuronal structure with their diameters:

<p>Dendrite width = 1 – 4 micrometers Axon diameter = Can vary significantly Cell body size = Usually larger than 10 micrometers Neuronal processes = Variable depending on neuron type</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of neurotransmitter interactions with their examples:

<p>Agonist = Mimics neurotransmitter action Antagonist = Blocks neurotransmitter action Reuptake inhibitor = Prevents neurotransmitter reabsorption Chemical mimic = Competes with neurotransmitter for receptor binding</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following neuron types with their prevalence in the human brain:

<p>Neurons = Approximately 20 – 25 billion in the brain Glial cells = 5 – 10 times more than neurons Dendritic cells = Rare in comparison to other neurons Axonal cells = Integral part of the neuron structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following neuron shapes with their characteristics:

<p>Pyramidal = Common in cerebral cortex Stellate = Star-shaped with multiple dendrites Unipolar = Single process extending from the cell body Multipolar = Contains three or more processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following locations in the nervous system with their corresponding neuron features:

<p>Cerebral Cortex = Houses a large number of dendrites Thalamus = Contains neurons that relay sensory information Hippocampus = Involved in learning and memory Peripheral Nervous System = Axons covered in neurilema</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following glial cells with their primary functions:

<p>Astroglia = Support and maintain the neuronal environment Oligodendroglia = Myelin production in the central nervous system Microglia = Immune defense in the nervous system Ependymal Cells = Line the ventricles and produce cerebrospinal fluid</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following identifiers to the respective neuron processes:

<p>Dendrites = Receive information from other neurons Axon = Transmits signals away from the cell body Axon terminals = Release neurotransmitters Myelin sheath = Insulates axons for faster conduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following distances with neuronal interfaces:

<p>Gap Junction = Less than 2 nm apart Synapse = Approximately 10 – 15 nm apart Neuronal soma = Contains the nucleus and nucleolus Dendritic growth = Occurs during learning processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of synaptic interactions with examples:

<p>Competitive inhibition = LSD competing with serotonin Reuptake inhibition = SSRIs prolonging serotonin activity Agonist action = Mimics neurotransmitter action Antagonist action = Blocks neurotransmitter receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following dendritic features with their descriptions:

<p>Dendritic width = 1 – 4 micrometers Dendritic growth during learning = 45 order dendrites increase Dendrites in Down’s syndrome = Missing the usual proliferation Axoplasm = Found within the axon, similar to cytoplasm</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following statements about glial cells with their implications:

<p>More numerous than neurons = 5 – 10 times more glial cells Connected in syncytium = Facilitates communication between cells Neuronal support = Critical for homeostasis Myelination = Enhances signal transmission speed</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of neuronal structure with their functions:

<p>Nucleus = Contains genetic material Cytoplasm = Site of metabolic processes Neurotransmitter receptor = Facilitates signal reception Dendritic spine = Increases synaptic strength</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component missing from the dendrites of individuals with Down's syndrome?

<p>Dendrites (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron typically has three or more processes?

<p>Multipolar cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding glial cells in relation to neurons?

<p>Glial cells are more abundant than neurons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average diameter of most axons, which are medullated?

<p>1 – 4 micrometers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neuronal interface is characterized by a distance of approximately 10 – 15 nm?

<p>Synapse (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily found in the cytoplasm of a neuron's cell body?

<p>Nucleus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do oligodendroglia primarily serve in the nervous system?

<p>Form myelin sheaths (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique structure can be formed by astroglial cells in the nervous system?

<p>Vast syncytium (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of the neurilema in the peripheral nervous system?

<p>Aid recovery after nerve damage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neuron Cell Body

The main body of a neuron, containing the nucleus and vital cellular components.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

The long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits signals to other neurons.

Synapse

A specialized junction between neurons, where communication occurs through the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

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Unipolar Neuron

A type of neuron with one single process extending from the cell body, commonly found in the sensory system.

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Bipolar Neuron

A type of neuron with two processes extending from the cell body, typically involved in sensory perception.

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Multipolar Neuron

A type of neuron with three or more processes extending from the cell body, the most common type of neuron.

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Glial Cells

Non-neuronal cells that provide support and protection for neurons.

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Glial Syncytium

A network of interconnected glial cells, forming a continuous pathway for communication within the brain.

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What are neurons?

Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting and processing information.

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What is the cell body of a neuron?

The cell body, also known as the soma, houses the nucleus and other essential components of the neuron.

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What are dendrites?

Dendrites are branching extensions that receive signals from other neurons, acting as the neuron's 'input'.

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What is the axon?

The axon is a long, slender projection that transmits signals away from the cell body, acting as the neuron's 'output.'

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What is the axon terminal?

The axon terminal is the endpoint of the axon, where signals are transmitted to other neurons or target cells. It releases neurotransmitters across the synapse, chemical messengers that allow communication between neurons.

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What is a synapse?

The synapse is a specialized junction between neurons, where chemical communication occurs through the release of neurotransmitters.

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What is myelin?

Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates axons, speeding up the transmission of signals.

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What are glial cells?

Glial cells, also known as neuroglia, are non-neuronal cells that provide support and protection for neurons. They outnumber neurons by 5 to 10 times.

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What are astrocytes?

Astrocytes are a type of glial cell responsible for maintaining the blood-brain barrier, providing nutrients to neurons, and regulating the chemical environment of the brain.

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What is the cell body?

The main part of a neuron, containing the nucleus which controls the cell's functions.

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What is a syncytium?

A network of connected glial cells that form a continuous pathway for communication in the brain. Think of it as the network supporting neuron communication.

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What are astroglia?

A type of glial cell that helps maintain the blood-brain barrier, provides nutrients to neurons, and regulates the chemical environment in the brain. They are like the neuron's 'housekeepers'.

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Study Notes

Neurons

  • Approximately 20-25 billion neurons within the human cerebral cortices.
  • Common neuronal cell body shapes include pyramidal and stellate.
  • Cell bodies contain cytoplasm, nucleus, and nucleolus.
  • Dendrites receive information from other neurons.
  • Many cortical, thalamic, and hippocampal neurons have highly branched dendritic networks.
  • 45th order dendrites show growth during learning. Individuals with Down syndrome may have fewer or different types of dendrites.
  • Most neurons have one axon.
  • Axon width typically ranges from 1-4 micrometers.
  • Axons contain axoplasm, similar to cytoplasm but lacking ribosomes.
  • Neurotransmitters are released from axon terminals.
  • Most axons are myelinated.
  • Peripheral nervous system axons are covered by neurilemma, facilitating regeneration after damage.

Neuronal Interfaces

  • Gap junctions have membrane separations of less than 2 nanometers.
  • Synapses are interfaces between axon terminals and dendrites, somas, or axons, separated by approximately 10-15 nanometers.
  • Many drugs mimic or block neurotransmitters at the synapse; for example, LSD competes with serotonin.

Neuronal Process Classification

  • Unipolar neurons have one process.
  • Bipolar neurons have two processes.
  • Multipolar neurons have three or more processes.

Glial Cells

  • Glial cells outnumber neurons by 5-10 times.
  • Glial cell processes form a vast interconnected network (syncytium) primarily through gap junctions.
  • Types of glial cells include astroglia, oligodendroglia, and microglia.

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