Biopsychology - Neurons and synaptic transmission

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

• Basic building block of nervous system
• Nerve cells that process messages
• Through chemical and electrical signals

Question 2

Sensory neurons

Answer 2

• Carry messages from the PNS to CNS

- Long dendrites and short axons

Question 3

Relay neurons

Answer 3

• Connect sensory neurons to motor or other relay neurons

- Short dendrites and shot axons

Question 4

Motor neurons

Answer 4

• Connects the CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands

- Short dendrites and long axons

Question 5

Synaptic transmission

Answer 5

• Electrical impulse travels down axon
• Reaches end of neuron, presynaptic terminal and stimulates synaptic vesicles
• Synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft and diffuse across to the next neuron
• Once crosses the gap, it attaches to a specific post-synaptic receptor
• Chemical impulse converts back to electrical and travels down the next neuron