Neurons

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

Cell in the nervous system that generates and transmits nerve impulses. Consists of dendrites, cell body (soma), and an axon that may or may not have a myelin sheath.

Question 2

Dendrites

Answer 2

Short, branching terminals that receive impulses from other neurons or sensory receptors and relay the impulse to the cell body.

Question 3

Cell Body (Soma)

Answer 3

This part contains the nucleus and is the site of metabolic reactions within the cell. It processes input from dendrites. If the input is large enough, it is relayed to the axon where the impulse is initiated.

Question 4

Axon

Answer 4

Conducts impulses away from the cell body. The terminal branches into many fibres to communicate with adjacent neurons or to glands and muscles.

Question 5

Sensory neuron

Answer 5

Type of nerve cell that receives stimuli and conducts impulse toward CNS

Question 6

Interneuron

Answer 6

Type of nerve cell found in brain or spinal cord that transmits impulses from sensory neurons within various parts of the brain or to motor neurons.

Question 7

Motor neuron

Answer 7

Type of nerve cell that transmits nerve impulses toward an effector, which can be a muscle or a gland

Question 8

Effector

Answer 8

One of the three types of muscle or a gland that responds to a nerve impulse

Question 9

The reflex arc

Answer 9

An involuntary natural pathway consisting of a sensory receptor, sensory neuron, control centre (brain or spinal cord), motor neuron, and effector that results in a reflex behaviour that usually has survival value.