Neurons and synaptic transmission

Question 1

Define sensory neuron:

Answer 1

It sends messages from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system.
LONG DENDRITES
SHORT AXONS

Question 2

Define relay neuron:

Answer 2

They connect sensory neurons to motor/other relay neurons.
SHORT DENDRITES
SHORT AXONS

Question 3

Define motor neuron:

Answer 3

It connects the central nervous system to effectors such as muscles and glands.
SHORT DENDRITES
LONG AXONS

Question 4

What is a dendrite?

Answer 4

It carries nerve impulses from neighbouring neurons towards the cell body.

Question 5

What is an axon?

Answer 5

It carries impulses away from the cell body down the length of the neuron.

Question 6

How does chemical transmission occur through the synapses?

Answer 6

1. And electrical impulse travels along an axon
2. This triggers the neve ending of the neuron to release neurotransmitters
3. These chemicals diffuse across the synapse and bind with receptor molecules on the membrane of the next neuron.
4. Only specific chemicals released from the first neuron. This stimulates the second neuron to transmit the electrical impulse.

Question 7

How does electrical transmission occur through the firing of a neuron?

Answer 7

1. When neuron is resting it is negatively charged.
2. When it is activated by a stimulus it is positively charged very briefly.
3. Causes action potential which causes an impulse to travel down the axon to the end of the neuron.

Question 8

What is a neuron?

Answer 8

It is a nerve cell which can be big or small.