Neuronal communication 5.3 Flashcards
What is a Pacinian corpuscule?
A pressure sensor found in the skin that detects changes in pressure
What are sensory receptors?
Specialised cells that can detect changes in our surroundings
What is a transducer?
A cell that converts one form of energy into another
Where are Pacinian corpuscules found?
The skin
What kind of receptors are Pacinian corpuscules?
Mechanoreceptors
What is the structure of a pacinian corpuscule?
Oval shaped structure consisting of rings of connective tissue wrapped around the end of a nerve cell
What triggers an action potential in a pacinian corpuscule?
When pressure is applied which stretches the nerve cell membrane and causes a change in polarity
What energy transfer do photoreceptors do?
Light to electrical
What energy transfer do mechanoreceptors do?
Movement to electrical
What energy transfer do chemoreceptors do?
Chemical to electrical
What energy transfer do thermoreceptors do?
Heat to electrical
What is the resting potential?
When the charge is negative on the inside and positive on the outside
Is resting potential polarised or depolarised?
Polarised
What is the permeability of the membrane like?
- more permeable to K ions so they leak out more
- less permeable to Na ions so few leak out
Is an action potential polarised or depolarised?
Depolarised
What do neurons consist of?
- myelin sheath
- schwann cells
- nodes of ranvier
- nucleus
- mitochondria
- ribosomes
What does a dendron do?
Transmits electrical impulse towards the cell body
What does an axon do?
Transmits electrical impulse away from cell body
What is the myelin sheath made up from?
Schwan cells
What is saltatory conduction?
When the action potential jumps from node of ranvier to node of ranvier
Why is saltatory conduction quicker?
- reduces energy expenditure
- reduces degradation of impulse
(can travel longer distances)
What causes quicker transmissions?
- bigger axon (higher SA)
- higher temp
- nodes of ranvier
(doesnt depolarise entire membrane)
What is depolarisation?
A change in polarity (Inside of cell becomes more positive)
What happens due to slow closing potassium channels?
Refractory period
What cannot occur during a refractory period?
An action potential