Chapter 4.1

Question 1

What is the function of the axon hillock

Answer 1

• the axon hillock receives information from the dendrites

- >it integrates all incoming signals from the dendrites

Question 2

Can the myelin sheath play a role in the prevention of signal loss

Answer 2

• yes

- >axons with myelin sheaths prevent signal loss

Question 3

What is the shape of the nerve terminal or synaptic buttons

Answer 3

• they are enlarged and flattened
• > this maximizes the neurotransmission to the next neuron
• > ensures the proper release of neurotransmitters

Question 4

What does the synapse consist of?

Answer 4

-the nerve terminal, synaptic cleft and postsynaptic membrane

Question 5

What are mixed nerves

Answer 5

-mixed nerves carrby both sensory and motor information

Question 6

What are ganglia

Answer 6

-cell bodies of neurons of the same type are clustered together into ganglia

Question 7

What are tracts? What are nuclei? Note both of these are in the CNS

Answer 7

Tracts
->axons may be bundled together to form tracts in the CNS

Nuclei
->cell bodies of the same tracts are referred to as nuclei

Question 8

What are the functions of astrocytes

Answer 8

• they form the blood-brain barrier

- they also nourish neurons

Question 9

What are ependymal cells? Where are they located?

Answer 9

• they line the ventricles of the brain

- produce CSF