Lab 8 Flashcards
Neurons and Spinal Cord
Where are the dendrites located?
Dendrites are branch-like extensions located around the soma (cell body) of the neuron.
What is the function of the dendrites?
Dendrites extend outwards to receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors. They transmit these signals to the soma for processing and integration.
Where is the soma located?
The soma, the cell body of the neuron, is located at the neuron’s center, connecting the dendrites and axon.
What is the function of the soma?
The soma processes and integrates signals received from the dendrites. Integration refers to the process by which the soma (cell body) combines or processes the electrical signal received from the dendrites.
What is the function of the axon hillock?
A specialized part of the soma where the axon originates. It acts as a trigger zone for the neuron by evaluating the integrated signal from the soma, determines if they are strong enough, and, if so, generates an action potential to be sent to the axon.
Where is the axon located?
The axon is a long, slender projection extending from the soma (cell body) of a neuron.
What is the function of the axon?
The axon, also known as the axis or line of the neuron, receives the action potential from the axon hillock. Its primary function is to transmit the action potential away from the soma and axon hillock.
What is the function of Schwann cells?
Schwann cells are glial cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Schwann cells provided physical support to neurons by producing and wrapping myelin sheath around the axon.
What is Myelin Sheath?
Myelin sheath is an insulating layer created by Schwann cells. It comprises multiple layers of the Schwann cell membrane and increases the speed of electrical signals along the axon by preventing signal leakage by allowing the signal to pass through passively bypassing the need for potassium and sodium channels
Where is the Node of Ranvier located?
The Node of Ranvier is located along the axon of a neuron, between segments of the myelin sheath. These gaps are exposed areas of the axon.
What is the function of Ranvier’s node?
The Node of Ranvier boosts the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission along the axon. It facilitates saltatory conduction, allowing the action potential to “jump” from one node to the next. This speeds up nerve signals and conserves energy as energy is only used at the nodes to regenerate the action potential rather than being continuously regenerated along the entire axon.
What is the function of axon terminals?
Axon terminals are the end structures of the axon. The axon terminals form a synapse with the dendrites of the next neuron. They release neurotransmitters to pass the action potential (signal) to other neurons, glands, and muscles.
What is the function of the dorsal root?
The dorsal root transmits sensory (afferent) input (for example: touch, pain, temperature) from the body to the spinal cord.
What is the function of the dorsal root ganglion?
The dorsal root ganglion houses the cell bodies of sensory (afferent) neurons and processes sensory signals before transmitting them to the spinal cord.
What is the function of the ventral root?
The ventral root carries motor (efferent) output (commands) from the spinal cord to muscles and glands, enabling movement and responses.
What is the function of the cervical nerves?
The cervical nerves enable movement (motor) and sensation (sensory) in the body by transmitting signals between the spinal cord and neck, chest, shoulders, and arms.
What is the function of the cauda equina?
The cauda equina transmits sensation (sensory) and movement (motor) neurons between the spinal cord and the lower body (pelvis, legs, bladder, etc.).
