Neuron structure

Question 1

Define a neuron

Answer 1

individual nerve cell, the building blocks of the brain and nervous system

Question 2

Three basic functions of the neuron:

Answer 2

Receive information

Process information (to determine whether or not the information should be passed along)

Communicate information to target cells (other neurons or muscles or glands).

Question 3

Function of the sensory neuron

Answer 3

Specialises in sending sensory information to the CNS

Question 4

Define the dendrite and its functions

Answer 4

Extensions of a neuron that detects and receives information from other neurons.

Question 5

Define the axon and its functions

Answer 5

One long cable that snakes away from the soma.

Specialised to transmit electrical impulses from the neuron away to be received by other neurons

Question 6

Define the myelin sheath and its functions

Answer 6

Made of fat and protein, and is produced by Schwann Cells

helps to speed up the rate at which impulses are conducted down the axon and helps to protect the nerve

Question 7

Define the nucleus

Answer 7

The control centre/brain of the cell

Question 8

Define Multiple Sclerosis and how it attacks the body

Answer 8

An autoimmune disease, where the body mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord.

It does this by damaging myelin. When myelin is damaged, messages from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body can no longer be clearly transmitted.