Biopsychology- structure and function of sensory, relay, motor neurons

Question 1

What is the definition of a neuron ?

Answer 1

A nerve cell that receives and transmits impulses to and from other cells through electrical and chemical signals.

Question 2

what are the 6 parts of the structure of a neuron ?

Answer 2

1. soma ( cell body)
2. nucleus
3. dendrites
4. axon
   5.myelin sheath
5. Axon terminal

Question 3

What is the function of the soma in the structure of a neuron ?

Answer 3

Its the control centre of the neuron and includes the nucleus.

Question 4

what is the function of the nucleus in the structure of a neuron ?

Answer 4

contains genetic material of a cell

Question 5

what is the function of dendrites in the structure of a neuron ?

Answer 5

dendrites receive signals from other neurons or from sensory receptor cells.The dendrites are connected to the cell body.

Question 6

What is the function of an axon in the structure of a neuron?

Answer 6

A long slender fibre that carries nerve impulses, in the form of an electrical signal known as action potential. The impulses travel down the axon to the synapse.

Question 7

what is the function of the myelin sheath in the structure of a neuron?

Answer 7

most axons are surrounded by a myelin sheath which insulates the axon so the electrical impulses travel faster along the axon. Think of the rubber around a charger cable

Question 8

What is the function of the axon terminal in the structure of a neuron?

Answer 8

it connects the neuron to other neurons using a process called synaptic transmission.

Question 9

how does a impulse travel down a neuron?

Answer 9

Impulse > dendrites > cell body > terminal branches > synapse > dendrites of post synaptic nerve

Question 10

what neuron is this ?

Answer 10

sensory neuron

Question 11

what neuron is this ?

Answer 11

relay neuron

Question 12

what neuron is this

Answer 12

motor neuron

Question 13

What is the function of the motor neuron ?

Answer 13

• carries impulses from the CNS to the other areas in the body
• controls muscles
• when stimulated the motor neurons release neurotransmitters that bind to receptors on the muscle that trigger muscle movement.

Question 14

What is the function of the relay neuron ?

Answer 14

• relays information to and from the CNS
• lie between sensory neuron and motor neuron connecting them.
• found within the brain and spinal cord

Question 15

what is the function of the sensory neuron?

Answer 15

• where information enters our bodys
• transmits nerve impulses from the sensory receptors( 5 senses) to the CNS and spinal cord.
• when the impulses reach the brain its translated into sensations e.g pain