1 Flashcards
Neuron
Information Messenger
Parts of a neuron
Dendrites, Axon, and Soma/Cell Body
Nucleus
Contains DNA and controls hereditary aspects
Mitochondrion
Powerhouse (energy) of the cell
converts the chemical energy stored in food into compounds that are more convenient for the cell to use
Chromosomes
DNA molecules that contains genetic information
Ribosomes
Puts proteins together
What are the two types of neurons?
Motor Neuron
Sensory Neuron
Motor Neuron
Transmits impulses from the spinal chord to skeletal and smooth muscle, and directly controls all of our muscle movements
Sensory Neuron
Transmits impulses from a receptor (such as those in the eye or ear) to a more central location in the nervous system (such as the spinal chord or brain)
Dendrites
Branching fibers that receive neural signals
Can neurons have multiple dendrites?
Yes
Axon
Sends neural signals to other neurons, organs, or muscles
Do neurons have one axon or multiple?
One
Myelin Sheath
Insulation that goes over axon and protects neuron signal from stopping/playing out. Without this, fine motor skills and movability can be negatively affected.
Nodes of Ranvier
Gaps found within myelinated axons that allow the generation of a fast electrical impulse along the axon
Presynaptic Terminal
Releases neurotransmitters once the neural signal comes through
Why do neurons vary in shapes and sizes?
The shape of a neuron determines its connection with other neurons and its contribution to the nervous system. The function is closely related to the shape of a neuron.
What happens in the resting potential?
The membrane maintains an electrical gradient known as polarization. When at rest, sodium leaves the cell while potassium enters. The inside of the membrane is slightly negative with respect to the outside.
What is the resting potential of a neuron?
State of the neuron prior to the sending of a nerve impulse.
What happens in the action potential?
Resting potential turns into action when the neuron is stimulated.
This is a rapid depolarization of the neuron, where it exceeds the threshold of excitation.
Once this happens, the membrane (gate) of the cell opens, and sodium is let back into the cell.
The inside of the membrane is now positive.
What is the sequence of chemical events at a synapse?
- Neuron synthesizes chemicals that serve as neurotransmitters.
- Action potentials travel down the axon.
- Released molecules diffuse across the cleft, attach to receptors, and alter the activity of the postsynaptic neuron.
- Neurotransmitter molecules separate from their receptors.
- Neurotransmitters may be taken back into the presynaptic neuron for recycling or diffusing away.
- Some postsynaptic cells may send reverse messages to slow the release of further neurotransmitters by presynaptic cells.
Function of serotonin
Affects mood, sleep, hunger, and arousal
Problems caused by undersupply of serotonin
Undersupply linked to depression
Function of dopamine
Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion