Biopsychology: Neurons Flashcards
What are the three types of neurons?
- Motor neuron
- Relay neuron
- Sensory neuron
What is the role of a motor neuron?
Connect the CNS to effectors (e.g. muscles, axons)
What is the role of a relay neuron?
Connect sensory neurons to the motor and other relay neuron.
What are the electrical signals called that pass between neurons?
Nerve impulses
What is the role of a sensory neuron?
Carry messages from the PNS to the CNS.
Signals within neurons are transmitted _______. Whereas signals between neurons are transmitted ______.
- Electrically
- Chemically
Give the order of the neurons:
Sensory
Relay
Motor
Role of cell body:
Contains the nucleus which contains the genetic information of the cell.
Role of dendrites:
Carry nerve impulses from neighbouring neurons towards the cell body.
Role of axon:
Carries nerve impulses away from the cell body down the length of neuron.
Role of myelin sheath:
Insulates and protects the axon, speeding up the electrical transmission of the impulse.
Role of nodes of ranvier:
Speed up the transmission of the impulse by forcing it to ‘jump’ across the gaps along the axon.
Role of axon terminals:
Communicate with the neighbouring neuron across the synapse.
How are signals within neurons transmitted?
electrically
How are signals between neurons transmitted across the synapse?
Chemically
