Neurons (biopsychology)

Question 1

The Structure of Neurons

Answer 1

Neurons transmit information using electrical and chemical signals. There are billions of neurons in the human nervous system, with the majority of them being found in the brain. For this reason, the neurons are the main communication source for the nervous system.

Question 2

Cell Body

Answer 2

Main part of the cell containing the nucleus.

Question 3

Nucleus

Answer 3

In the cell body, contains all genetic information of the cell.

Question 4

Dendrites

Answer 4

Parts coming off the cell body that receive messages from other neurons.

Question 5

Axon

Answer 5

Transmits an electrical impulse away from the cell body down the length of the neuron.

Question 6

Myelin Sheath

Answer 6

Fatty cells which act as insulation for the axon to help speed up electrical transmission.

Question 7

Schwann Cell

Answer 7

Form the myelin sheath.

Question 8

Node of Ranvier

Answer 8

Breaks in the myelin sheath which encourages the impulse to speed up as it ‘jumps’ over the gap.

Question 9

Axon Terminals

Answer 9

The electrical impulse that has travelled along the axon is converted into a chemical message (neurotransmitter) to be passed on to the next neuron.

Question 10

Sensory Neurons

Answer 10

These neurons are found in the peripheral nervous system and transmit information taken in by sensory receptors (typically on the skin). This information is sent to the central nervous system where the central nervous system can interpret the information it has been given.

Question 11

Relay Neurons

Answer 11

These neurons are located mostly in the central nervous system and transmit (or relay) information to and from other neurons. They act as a ‘go between’ and communicate not only with other relay neurons but also with sensory and motor neurons. They will analyse a message and prepare to relay what to do with this message to the relevant neuron.

Question 12

Motor Neurons

Answer 12

The cell bodies of these neurons may be in the spinal cord but the long axons form part of the peripheral nervous system. This is so that the message (e.g to move your hand away from a burning hot plate) can travel down the axon and instruct the relevant muscles to move. This type of neuron takes information away from the central nervous system.