15.1 — neurones

Question 1

what are neurones?

Answer 1

specialised nerve cells vital for transmitting electrical impulses quickly throughout the body

Question 2

what are the three structural components of mammalian neurones?

Answer 2

1. cell body — contains the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum which are crucial in the production of neurotransmitters
2. dendrons — these are short branches extending from the cell body, further diving into highly branched dendrites to receive nerve impulses from many other neurones and transmit them towards the cell body
3. axons — a singular, long nerve fibre responsible for carrying impulses away from the cell body to other neurones or effectors

Question 3

what does a neurone’s cell body contain and why are they important?

Answer 3

the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles (mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum) which are crucial in the production of neurotransmitters

Question 4

what are dendrons?

Answer 4

short branches extending form the cell body, further diving into highly branched dendrites to receive impulses from many other neurones and transmit them towards the cell body

Question 5

what do dendrons divide into?

Answer 5

dendrites

Question 6

what do dendrites receive and where do they transmit them towards?

Answer 6

they receive nerve impulses from many other neurones and transmit them towards the cell body

Question 7

what is an axon?

Answer 7

a singular, long nerve fibre responsible for carrying impulses away from the cell body to other neurones or effectors