Neuronal Communication Flashcards
What features are common to all sensory receptors?
Act as energy transducers which establish a generator potential
Respond to specific stimuli
Describe the basic structure of a Pacinian Corpuscle
Single nerve fibre surrounded by layers of connective tissue contained by a capsule
Stretch-mediated Na+ channels on membrane
Capillary runs along the base layer of tissues
What stimulus does a Pacinian corpuscle respond to? How?
Pressure deforms membrane, causing Na+ channels to open
If influx of Na+ raises membrane to threshold potential, a generator potential is produced
Action potential moves along sensory neurone
Describe the features of all neurons
Cell body - contains organelles and high proportion of RER
Dendrons - branch into dendrites which carry impulses towards the cell body
Axon - long, unbranched fibre carries nerve impulses away from cell body
Describe the structure and function of a sensory neuron
Usually unipolar
Transmits impulses from receptors to CNS
Describe the structure and function of a relay neuron
Usually bipolar
Transmits impulses between neurons
Describe the structure and function of a motor neuron
Usually multipolar
Transmits impulses from relay neurons in the CNS to effectors
Describe the additional features of a myelinated neuron
Schwann cells - wrap around axon many times
Myelin sheath - made from myelin-rich membranes of Schwann cells
Nodes of Ranvier - very short gaps between neighbouring Schwann cells where there is no myelin
Name the 3 processes Schwann cells are involved in
Electrical insulation
Phagocytosis
Nerve regeneration
Explain why myelinated axons conduct impulses faster than unmyelinated axons
Saltatory conduction - impulses jump from nodes of Ranvier. Depolarisation cannot occur where myelin sheaths act as electrical insulator
so impulse does not travel along whole axon length
Where are myelinated and non-myelinated neurons found in the body?
Myelinated - most neurons in CNS
Non-myelinated - Group C nerve fibres involved in transmitting secondary pain
What is resting potential?
Potential difference across neuron membrane when not stimulated
-70mV
How is resting potential established?
Na/K pumps - 3:2
Na+:K+
Some voltage gated K+ channels open, so some K+ leaks out
Voltage gated Na+ channels closed
Organic anions inside axon
Name the stages in generating an action potential
Depolarisation
Repolarisation
Hyperpolarisation
Refractory period
What happens during depolarisation?
Facilitated diffusion of Na+ into cell
Potential difference across membrane becomes more positive
If membrane reaches threshold potential, voltage-gated Na+ channels open
Potential difference reaches +30mV