Neurons Flashcards
What is the function of the axon
It passes electrical impulses down to the end of the neuron to allow it to communicate with others
What is the function of the dendrites
Receives messages from other neurones
What is the function of the cell body
The main part of the cell where the nucleus sits which also contains mitochondria
What is the function of the nucleus
It houses the genetic material for a particular neuron
What is the function of the axon hillock
The area that connects the cell body to the axon
What is the function of the myelin sheath
The fatty deposit that proves electrical insulation for an axon and allows electrical nerve impulses to be passed along and speeds up action potential
What is the function of the nodes of Ranvier
Gaps between adjacent myelin sheaths and also speeds up action potential
What is the function of the synapse
The gap between the end of a dendrite of one neuron and the terminal button of another so is where neurotransmitters are released
What is the function of the Schwann Cell
Helps hold the Myelin Sheath together
What is the function of the axon terminal
The end of the axon that leads to the terminal buttons that transmits messages via neurotransmitters
What is the process of synaptic transmission(6 stages)
- Presynaptic neuron- electrical impulse travels down the axon and arrives at synaptic terminal
- Vesicles release transmitters, electrical impulse binds, becomes chemical and diffuses across the synaptic gap
- Neurotransmitters bind with receptors on the post-synaptic neuron
- If the summation(overall charge of the impulse) is positive then the post-synaptic neuron will fire(excitatory) and the impulse continues
- If the summation is negative then the post-synaptic neuron will not fire(inhibitory)
- Neurotransmitters then: broken down by enzymes in the synapse, reabsorbed(reuptake) by the pre-synaptic neuron ready for the next impulse, diffused away
What is an excitatory response
Electrical impulse will fire if summation is positive
