Biopsychology: Neurons and Synaptic Transmission Flashcards
How do neurons transmit signals?
Neurons transmit signals through electrical and chemical processes
What is the primary function of neurons?
To provide the nervous system with its main means of communication
What are three types of neurons?
- Sensory neurons
- Relay neurons
- Motor neurons
What is the function of sensory neurons?
They carry messages from sensory receptors (skin or eyes etc.) to the central nervous system
What type of signal do sensory neurones transmit?
They carry information from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system
Where are relay neurons found?
In the central nervous system
What is the function of relay neurons?
They connect sensory neurons to motor neurones or other relay neurons
What is an effector?
A muscle or gland that respond to nerve impulses
What is the function of motor neurons?
They connect the central nervous system to effectors (muscles and glands)
What is the function of the cell body?
It contains the nucleus, which hold the cell’s genetic material
What are dendrites, what do they do?
Dendrites are branch like structures, that carry nerve impulses towards the cell body from neighbouring neurons
What is the function of the axon?
It carries nerve impulses away from the cell body down the length of the neuron
What is myelin sheath, why is it important?
A fatty layer that covers the axon, protecting it and speeding up electrical transmission
Why is the myelin sheath segmented?
If it were continuous, it would slow down the impulse. Instead, gaps called nodes of Ranvier force the impulse to jump, speeding up transmission
What are terminal buttons, what is their role?
They are at the end of the axon and communicate with the next neuron across a gap called the synapse
What is the charge of a neuron at rest and what happens when it is activated by a stimulus?
The inside of the cell is negatively charged compared to the outside.
The inside of the cell becomes positively charged for a split second, causing an action potential to occur
How do neurons communicate with each other?
Through groups called neural networks
What separates each neuron from the next?
A tiny gap called the synapse
How are signals transmitted within a neuron?
Signals are transmitted electrically within each neuron
How are signals transmitted between a neuron?
Signals are transmitted chemically between neurons
