Neurons Flashcards
Give the function of neurons
to receive and transmit nerve impulses
Give the general function of glial cells
to maintain and support neurons
Neurons provide the body with…
a rapid means of communication
Name the types of neuron
sensory, inter and motor
Name the four components of a neuron
cell body, axon, dendrite and myelin sheath
Give the primary function of a dendrite
to receive nerve impulses and pass them towards a cell body
Name the two major components of a cell body
nucleus and cytoplasm
What essential substance does a cell body synthesise? And what is it used for?
enzymes needed for neurotransmitters
Give the main function of an axon
to carry the nerve impulse away from the cell body and onto the next neuron in the chain
State the direction of a nerve impulse
dendrites to cell body to axon
What is a myelin sheath?
a fatty material that insulates the axon
What is the benefit of the myelin sheath?
increases speed of transmission
When is the process of myelination completed?
adolescence
Loss in myelin sheath can result in…
loss in muscular coordination
Apart from myelination, what two other processes are glial cells responsible for?
maintaining the chemical composition in the fluid around neurons and some are phagocytic by removing foreign bacteria
