Neurons Flashcards
Universal properties of neurons
excitability, conductivity, secretion
Sensory (afferent) neuron function
specialized neurons that detect stimuli and transmit information about them to the Central Nervous System
Motor (efferent) neuron function
specialized neurons that send signals predominantly from the Central Nervous System (CNS) to muscle and gland cells, causing them to respond and carry out the body’s actions
Interneurons function
neurons that lie entirely within the Central Nervous System (CNS), responsible for processing, integrating, and interpreting information to determine appropriate body responses
Soma
control center of a neuron, containing the nucleus and essential cellular components responsible for the neuron’s metabolic functions and protein synthesis; cell body
Dendrites
neuron extensions that serve as the primary sites for receiving signals from other neurons
Axon
specialized neurite extending from the cell body, designed for rapid signal conduction to remote locations
Nucleus
central control center of the neuron
Neurofibrils
bundles of actin filaments within the neuron’s cytoskeleton that help compartmentalize the rough endoplasmic reticulum and provide structural support to the neuron
Nissl bodies
clusters of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the neuronal cell body, characterized by their dark-staining appearance and critical role in protein synthesis
Axon hillock
mound-like region on the neuron where the axon originates from the cell body, and serves as a critical trigger zone for generating action potentials
Axolemma
plasma membrane of the axon, responsible for conducting electrical signals and regulating ion movement during neural transmission
Axoplasm
internal cytoplasm of the axon
Telodendria
terminal branching endings of an axon
Axon terminals
bulbous endings of an axon’s terminal arborization that form synapses with other cells
4 classes of neurions
anaxonix, bipolar, unipolar, multipolar
Anaxonic neuron characteristics and location
- multiple dendrites, no axon
- brain, retina, adrenal medulla
Bipolar neuron characteristics and location
- one axon, one dendrite
- found in sensory areas like the nose
Multipolar neuron characteristics and location
- one axon, multiple dendrites,
- found in brain and spinal cords
Unipolar neuron characteristics and location
- single process leading from cell body
- found in spinal cord sensory pathways
Difference between neuronal function and neuroglia function
Neurons: communication
Neuroglia: support, protection, and structural framework
Where can cell bodies be found in the CNS and PNS
CNS: gray matter of brain and spinal cord, neuronal tissue, surrounding white matter tracts
PNS: ganglia, nerve clusters, outside the brain and spinal cord
Where can axons be found in the CNS and PNS
CNS: white matter of the brain and spinal cord
PNS: cranial and spinal nerves
Ependymal cells
specialized glial cells that line the internal cavities of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid
