Components and functions of neurons

Question 1

What re the key components/functions of the neuron?

Answer 1

The cell body/soma, the dendrites, the axon, the myelin sheath, the Schwann cells and the terminal buttons

Question 2

What is the role of the cell body/soma in the neuron?

Answer 2

It carries the nucleus, so contains all the genetic material and cytoplasm to provide nutrients for the cell

Question 3

What is the role of the dendrites of the neuron?

Answer 3

They branch out from the cell body and the connect with other dendrites from other cells, sending and receiving messages

Question 4

What is the role of the axon in the neuron?

Answer 4

It is a thin cylinder of protoplasm which protects away from the cell body and carries the signals received by dendrites to other neurons

Question 5

What’s the role of the myelin sheath in the neuron?

Answer 5

It is a white fatty substance which surrounds the axon and insulates it. It speeds up conduction of the signals as it has spaces between the separate sheaths which allow electrochemical signals to jump from gap to gap and therefore the signals travel faster

Question 6

What is the role of the Schwann cells in the neuron?

Answer 6

These are the principle glia of the peripheral nervous system involved in many important aspects of peripheral nerve biology including the conduction of nervous impulses along axons, nerve development ask regeneration.

Question 7

What are the two types of Schwann cell?

Answer 7

Myelinating which wrap around the axons of motor and sensory neurons to form the myelin sheath and non-myelinating.

Question 8

What are terminal buttons in neurons?

Answer 8

They are found at th end of dendrites and axons and contain the vesicles which release a chemical known as a neurotransmitter, causing a signal to occur in the neighbouring dendrite across the synapse