Neuron Flashcards
What does a neuron do?
It transmits signals electrically and chemically and they provide the nervous system with its primary means of communication
What are the seven parts of a neuron?
Dendrites, nucleus, cell body, axon, myelin sheath, nodes of ranvier and axon terminal
What is the role of the nucleus?
It contains the genetic material of the cell
What is the role of the dendrites?
They protrude from the cell body and carry impulses to neighbouring neurons
What is the role of the axon?
It carries the impulses away from the cell body down the length of the neuron
What is the role of the myelin sheath?
To protect the axon and speed up electrical transmissions of the impulse
What is the role of the nodes of ranvier?
It forces up the speed of the transmission by forcing it to jump over the gaps
What is the role of the axon terminal?
It communicates with the next neuron across the synapse
What is the role of the sensory neuron?
To carry messages about the senses from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system
What is the structure of the sensory neuron?
Long dendrites and short axon
What is the role of the relay neuron?
It connects the sensory neuron to other neurons and it is found in the brain in the central nervous system
What is the structure of the relay neuron?
Short dendrites and short axon
What is the role of the motor neuron?
Connects the central nervous system to areas of the body eg muscles and glands
What is the structure of the motor neuron?
Short dendrites and long axon
