Anatomy of a neuron

Question 1

dendrites

Answer 1

receive inputs from other neurons
NTs excite or inhibit here

Question 2

axon

Answer 2

send outputs to other neurons

Question 3

cell body

Answer 3

where the APs accumlate until it reaches threshold and then it propogates down the axon

Question 4

function of myelin

Answer 4

insulate axon and speed up AP conduction
protects the axon and helps regeneration

Question 5

oligodendrocytes

Answer 5

provide myelination for the CNS

1 cell body can cause myelin on multiple axons at a time so it doesn’t take up as much space

Question 6

schwann cells

Answer 6

provide myelination for the PNS

1 cell body causes myelin on 1 axon so it takes up more room

Question 7

microglia

Answer 7

first and main form of active immune defense in the CNS (similar to phagocytes)

Question 8

astrocytes

Answer 8

provide biochem support for endothelial cells that form the blood barrier
nutrients to nervous tissue
maintains extracell ion balance
role in scarring after traumatic injuries

Question 9

how many NTs can a neuron send?

Answer 9

only ONE

Question 10

how many NTs can a neuron receive

Answer 10

any

Question 11

which neuron releases hormones into the blood

Answer 11

neuroendocrine

Question 12

why are interneurons unmyelinated

Answer 12

so short that transduction is already fast and there isn’t room for much myelin in the spinal cord