Lecture 25 - Neurons Flashcards
Neurons
Structural units of nervous system
Specialized cells that conduct messages in form of electrical impulses throughout body
Special characteristics of neurons
Extrem longevity
Amitotic
High metabolic rate
Neuron cell body
Aka perikaryon or soma
Biosynthetic centre of neurons where proteins,membranes and chemicals are synthesized
Nissl bodies
Granules of rough endoplasmic reticulum
Nuclei
Clusters of neuron cell bodies in CNS
Ganglia
Clusters of neuron body cells in PNS
Tracts
Bundles of neuron processes in the CNS
CNS contains both neuron cell bodies and their processes
Nerves
Bundles of nerve processes in PNS
PNS mostly made up of neuron processes
Dendrites
receptive regions of the cell and provide surface area for receiving signals from other neurons
Convey incoming messages toward cell body as GRADED POTENTIALS (short distance signals)
Axon
Each neurons has one axon
Some neurons, axons are short or absent
Others axons comprises almost entire .length of cell
Axon hillock
Cone shaped area where axon starts
Long axons
Nerve fibres
Axon branches aka…
Axon collateral
Ends of axon (branches)
Axon terminals
Axon functions
Conducting region of neuron
Generates nerve impulses and transmits them along axolemma to the axon terminal