Neurons

Question 1

Describe the structure of all neurons

Answer 1

Central cell body surrounded by dendrites; connected to axons covered by myelin sheath and has gaps called nodes of Ranvier; on end of axon is axon terminal

Question 2

What is the function of the cell body in neurons?

Answer 2

Contains genetic material of the neurons

Question 3

Describe the function of dendrites

Answer 3

Received chemical messages from the previous neuron

Question 4

Describe the function of the axon

Answer 4

Carries action potential (electrical messages) along it

Question 5

Describe the function of the myelin sheath

Answer 5

Protects axon and speeds up transmission

Question 6

Describe the function of the nodes of Ranvier

Answer 6

Gaps between myelin sheath which speed up transmission

Question 7

Describe the function of the axon terminal

Answer 7

Release chemical neurotransmitters to communicate w/ next neuron

Question 8

Explain the steps of synaptic transmission

Answer 8

1 Action potential (electrical signal) arrived at the axon terminal of presynaptic neuron
2 This triggers the release of neurotransmitters (chemical messages) from the vesicles
3 Neurotransmitters then diffuse across the synapse
4 Neurotransmitters then bind to post synaptic receptors on dendrite of post synaptic neuron
5 Summation process - summing up number of excitatory (+ charge) and inhibitory (– charge) neurons; more positive = MORe likely for post-synaptic neuron to fire its own action potential and vice versa
6 Neurotransmitters left in synapse are reabsorbed through reuptake port or broken down by enzymes