Neuroscience: Structure and Function of Neurons

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What is the primary function of neurons in the nervous system?

To provide structural support to the brain and spinal cord

To transmit information from the axon terminals to the cell body

To produce neuroglia that outnumber neurons

To form complex processing networks that bring all regions of the body under CNS control (correct)

What is the range of diameters of neuron cell bodies?

5-135 micrometers (correct)

5-50 micrometers

100-500 micrometers

50-135 micrometers

What is the main function of dendrites in neurons?

To transmit information from the axon terminals to the cell body

To produce organelles

To process information in the dendritic tree and cell body

To receive information and conduct impulses toward the cell body (correct)

What is the purpose of the axon in a neuron?

To transmit information from the cell body to other neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of neuroglia in the nervous system?

To support and maintain the neuronal networks Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the branched structures that receive information in a neuron?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of bipolar neurons?

To convey the special senses of sight, smell, hearing, and balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic structure of unipolar neurons?

One process that extends from the body with fused dendrites and axon Signup and view all the answers

Where are the cell bodies of multipolar neurons in the PNS mainly located?

In the ganglia of cranial and spinal nerves Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons are most sensory neurons?

Unipolar Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of motor neurons?

Multipolar Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of most interneurons?

Multipolar Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the axon in a neuron?

To conduct impulses away from the cell body Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the organelles responsible for protein production in neurons?

Nissl bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is the region where the axon joins the cell body?

Axon hillock Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the fine processes at the end of the axon?

Telodendria Signup and view all the answers

What is the gap between the pre and post-synaptic cells?

Synaptic cleft Signup and view all the answers

What is the site of communication between two neurons or between a neuron and another effector cell?

Synapse Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why gray matter appears grayish?

The presence of Nissl bodies in the neuronal cell bodies Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are responsible for forming scar tissue in the CNS after an injury?

Astrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which myelin sheaths are lost or destroyed?

Demyelination Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for neuronal regeneration to occur?

The presence of functional Schwann cells with a neurolemma Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the neurolemma in neuronal regeneration?

To guide and stimulate axon regrowth Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the nervous system does regeneration largely not occur?

Central nervous system (CNS) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the Schwann cells at the distal axon after an injury is detected?

They dedifferentiate and arrest the production of myelin Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which the separated segment of the axon undergoes degeneration?

Wallerian degeneration Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of macrophages in nerve regeneration?

They aid in demyelination and the removal of debris Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the process of nerve regeneration?

Redifferentiation of Schwann cells Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the axon after the removal of myelin and axonal debris?

It can regenerate Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of previous Schwann cells in axonal regeneration?

They become precursors to aid in axonal regeneration Signup and view all the answers