Structure of a Nerve

Study Notes

Structure of a Nerve

A nerve consists of:
- Neurons: specialized cells that transmit and process information
- Axons: long, slender extensions of neurons that carry signals
- Dendrites: branching extensions of neurons that receive signals
- Myelin sheath: fatty insulation surrounding axons, facilitating signal transmission
- Schwann cells: cells that produce and maintain the myelin sheath
- Neuroglia: supporting cells that provide structure and maintenance functions

Types of Nerves

Sensory nerves: transmit information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (CNS)
Motor nerves: transmit signals from the CNS to muscles and glands
Mixed nerves: contain both sensory and motor fibers

Functions of Nerves

Transmission of signals: nerves transmit electrical and chemical signals between neurons
Control of muscle movements: motor nerves stimulate muscle contractions
Regulation of involuntary functions: autonomic nerves control functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing
Transmission of sensory information: sensory nerves transmit information from sensory receptors to the CNS

Classification of Nerves

Cranial nerves: 12 pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain, responsible for sensory and motor functions in the head and neck
Spinal nerves: 31 pairs of nerves that emerge from the spinal cord, responsible for sensory and motor functions in the rest of the body
Peripheral nerves: nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body, including cranial and spinal nerves

Structure of a Nerve

Neurons are specialized cells that transmit and process information
Axons are long, slender extensions of neurons that carry signals away from the cell body
Dendrites are branching extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons
The myelin sheath is a fatty insulation surrounding axons that facilitates signal transmission
Schwann cells produce and maintain the myelin sheath
Neuroglia are supporting cells that provide structure and maintenance functions

Types of Nerves

Sensory nerves transmit information from sensory receptors to the CNS
Motor nerves transmit signals from the CNS to muscles and glands
Mixed nerves contain both sensory and motor fibers

Functions of Nerves

Nerves transmit electrical and chemical signals between neurons
Motor nerves stimulate muscle contractions to control muscle movements
Autonomic nerves control involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing
Sensory nerves transmit information from sensory receptors to the CNS

Classification of Nerves

Cranial nerves are 12 pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain, responsible for sensory and motor functions in the head and neck
Spinal nerves are 31 pairs of nerves that emerge from the spinal cord, responsible for sensory and motor functions in the rest of the body
Peripheral nerves connect the CNS to the rest of the body, including cranial and spinal nerves

Description

This quiz covers the components of a nerve, including neurons, axons, dendrites, myelin sheath, Schwann cells, and neuroglia. Learn about the functions and roles of each part in transmitting and processing information.