Learning Intention 4

Question 1

What is a neuron

Answer 1

a special body cell that can send and receive messages. A bundle of neurons makes up a nerve

Question 2

What kind of signals are produced by a neuron

Answer 2

• inside neuron: electrical
• outside neuron: chemical

Question 3

Parts of a neuron

Answer 3

• dendrites (attached to cell body)
• cell body ( surrounds the nucleus)
• nucleus (control centre of the neuron)
• axon (stem coated in myelin)
• axon terminals (attached to axon at the bottom)

Question 4

What is the synaptic cleft

Answer 4

gap ebtween neurons

Question 5

process of sending messages between neurons across the synapse

Answer 5

1. an electrical signal travels down a neuron to the axon terminal
2. neurotransmitters are released into the synapse
3. they cross the gap and attach to the next neuron, passing the message
4. the second neuron responds and the message keeps moving
5. the chemicals used are either recycled or broken down