Biopsych: Structure and functions of neurons

Question 1

Neurons essay intro

Answer 1

The cells that make up the nervous system are called neurons.
They communicate with each other using a mixture of electrical and chemical signals.

Question 2

Name the 6 components of a neuron

Answer 2

Terminal button (pre-synaptic membrane)
Axon
Nodes of Ranvier (the gap)
Myelin sheath
Cell body
Dendrites (post-synaptic membrane)

Question 3

What is the first component

Answer 3

Dendrites (Post synaptic membrane)

Question 4

What is the last component

Answer 4

Terminal button (presynaptic membrane)

Question 5

What is another name for the terminal button

Answer 5

Pre- synaptic membrane

Question 6

What is another name for the dendrites

Answer 6

Post synaptic membrane

Question 7

Where are neurotransmitters found

Answer 7

In vesicles in the pre-synaptic membrane

Question 8

Where are receptor sites found

Answer 8

In the post synaptic membrane

Question 9

Describe the terminal button

Answer 9

The end of the neuron, and they send the information through to the next neurone, through the release of neurotransmitters (stored in vesicles)

Question 10

Describe the axon

Answer 10

Sends a nerve impulse (action potential) through the neuron to transmit a message to the next neuron.

Question 11

Whats another name for nerve impulse

Answer 11

Action potential

Question 12

Describe the Nodes of Ranvier

Answer 12

Speeds up the transmission of the impulse by forcing it to ‘jump’ across the gaps along the axon

Question 13

Describe the Myelin sheath

Answer 13

Protects the axon and helps to speed up transmission of the message

Question 14

Describe the cell body

Answer 14

Includes the nucleus which contains the genetic material of the cell

Question 15

Do a light sketch of a neuron, including all components

Answer 15

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