Questions and Answers
What contains the nucleus and ribosomes in a neuron?
cell body or soma
Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?
What is the term for the branching outgrowths from dendrites that increase the cell's surface area?
dendritic spines
What is the function of the axon in a neuron?
Signup and view all the answers
The part of the neuron that connects the axon to the cell body is called the ______.
Signup and view all the answers
The axon is shorter than dendrites.
Signup and view all the answers
What do collaterals refer to in neuron anatomy?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Functional Anatomy of the Neuron
- Neurons consist of a cell body (soma) containing the nucleus and ribosomes for protein synthesis.
- Processes include dendrites and axons that facilitate communication between neurons.
- Dendrites are short branches that receive signals; their branching increases surface area for signal reception.
- Axons, longer than dendrites, transmit signals to other neurons and connect at the Axon Hillock.
- Collaterals are branches of the axon, enhancing the neuron’s functional influence.
- Axon terminals are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
Potentials
- Electrochemical Potential Difference and Equilibrium Potential are crucial for nerve function.
- Resting Membrane Potential is established by ion distribution across the membrane.
Graded Potential
- Graded potentials are local changes in membrane potential that vary in amplitude and can initiate action potentials.
- Types of graded potential include depolarization and hyperpolarization, with properties such as summation effects.
Action Potential
- Action potentials are rapid changes in membrane potential that propagate along axons.
- These are generated at the Axon Hillock and involve voltage-gated ion channels influencing phases of depolarization and repolarization.
- The refractory period follows an action potential, preventing immediate re-excitation.
Basis of Nerve Excitability
- Threshold potential is the minimum level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential.
- Resting membrane potential stabilizes the neuron before it responds to stimuli.
Synaptic Transmission
- Synapses are junctions where neurons communicate through neurotransmitter release.
- Types of synaptic transmissions include excitatory and inhibitory actions influencing postsynaptic potentials.
- Presynaptic vesicles contain neurotransmitters that fuse with the membrane for release.
Nerve Conduction Velocity
- Myelin sheath around axons increases conduction speed by enabling saltatory conduction, where action potentials jump between nodes of Ranvier.
- Increased degrees of axon branching result in a broader sphere of influence for signal transmission.
Summary
- Understanding the anatomy and physiology of neurons is essential for comprehending nervous system function.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of action potentials and nerve physiology in this quiz based on Unit 2 from the University of Santo Tomas - Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. Explore key concepts, mechanisms, and the role of neurotransmitters in nerve communication. Perfect for students in the medical field looking to reinforce their knowledge.
