Neurons Flashcards
Identify the three main parts of a neuron and their functions.
The dendrite receives the nerves
The axon transmits the nerves
The cell body carries the nucleus
Describe the myelin sheath and nodes of Ranvier. How does their arrangement allow nerve impulses to travel very rapidly along axons?
Myelin sheaths are insulators spread out along an axon.
Nodes of Ranvier are the gaps in between the myelin sheath.
Nerve impulses travel from node to node, so the gaps allow faster travel along axons.
What is a synapse?
Complex memory junction that transmit signals to other cells
Define neurogenesis. What is the potential for neurogenesis in the human brain?
The production of new neurons
The production in the human brain is low
Relate neurons to different types of nervous tissues.
White Matter: Axons with myelin sheaths
Gray Matter: Cell bodies of neurons
Compare and contrast sensory and motor neurons.
Both:
- Carry nerve impulses
Sensory neurons:
- Change external stimuli into nerve impulses
- Carries nerve impulses towards the brain
Motor neurons:
- Change nerve impulses into activation for muscles and glands
- Carries nerve impulses towards the body
Identify the role of interneurons.
Carry nerve impulses in between sensory and motor neurons
Identify whether it is a sensory neuron, motor neuron, or interneuron:
A neuron in the spinal cord receives touch information and then transmits that information to another spinal cord neuron that controls the movement of an arm muscle.
Interneuron
Identify whether it is a sensory neuron, motor neuron, or interneuron:
A neuron that takes taste information from your tongue and sends it to your brain.
Sensory neuron
Identify whether it is a sensory neuron, motor neuron, or interneuron:
A spinal cord neuron stimulates a muscle to contract.
Motor neuron
The myelin sheath is made by:
A. Sensory neurons
B. White neurons
C. Peripheral nervous system neurons
D. Glial cells
D. Glial cells
True or False. Synapses often exist where a dendrite and an axon terminal meet.
False
There is only one axon terminal per neuron.
True
