Neurons Flashcards
What is the function of the nucleus?
To control the centre of the cell and also contains chromosomal DNA
What is the function of dendrites?
To receive nerve impulses or signals from adjacent neurons
What is an axon’s function?
To let electrical signals pass along
What is the function of the myelin sheath?
To protect the axon from external influences that can affect transmission of nerve impulses down the axon
What is the function of nodes of ranvier?
To speed up transmission of impulses by ‘forcing’ it to jump
What is the function of a terminal button (pre-synaptic neuron)
Send signals to an adjacent cell
What is the cell body?
Houses the nucleus
What is a Schwan cell?
Forms myelin sheath
What is the process of synaptic transmissions?
– Action potential travels down axon
-Causes vesicles (with neurotransmitters) to move and bind with wall and release into synaptic cleft
-Travel across cleft and bind to receptors
-Action potential continues
-Unused neurotransmitters are reabsorbed
-Or destroyed by enzymes
What is an excitatory neurotransmitter?
It is a synaptic connection which makes it more likely that the next neuron will fire (acetylcholine)
What is an inhibitory neurotransmitter?
A synaptic connection which will make it less likely that the next neuron will fire (GABA)