Neurons Flashcards
What do neurons form
The nervous system
What do neurons use to rapidly pass messages around the body
Nerve impulses
What is a cell body/soma
Largest part of the neuron, it contains the nucleus and cytoplasm
What is the nucleus
Contains the genetic information
What are dendrites
Extensions from the neurons cell body receive incoming nerve impulses from other neurons
What is the myelin sheath
Insulation membrane that surrounds the axon
What does the myelin sheath help to do
Speed neural impulses
What are the 3 types of neurons
Sensory neurons
Relay neurons
Motor neurons
What do sensory neurons do
They take info from sensory sites and takes it to the spinal cord and are found in various locations around the body
Where do sensory neurons travel
From sensory site to the CNS (central nervous system)
What action are sensory neurons involved in
Convert senses to neural impulses when they reach the CNS convert neural impulses to sensations
describe what the sensory neurons look like
Have long dendrites and short axons, their soma is found outside the CNS
What do relay neurons do
They allow for communication between the sensory and motor neurons
Where do relay neurons travel
They’re found in the spinal cord sending messages between sensory neurons and motor neurons
What action are relay neurons involved in
These are found within the CNS and are used to communicate; they’re the thinking, feeling and deciding neuron
Describe what the relay neuron looks like
Short dendrites and a varying length of axons. Their soma is found in the CNS
What does the motor neuron do
These neurons begin in the CNS but project back out to the muscles
Where do motor neurons travel
Travel away from the CNS towards the skeletal muscles
What action are motor neurons involved in
To control muscles by sending messages from the CNS to inform the muscles to expand or contract
Describe what a motor neuron looks like
Short dendrites and long axons, their soma is found inside the CNS
