neurons + synaptic transmission (AO1 only) Flashcards
What are neurons?
nerve cells that transmit messages through electrical and chemical signals
draw and label a neuron
what is the soma (cell body)?
- includes a nucleus with all the genetic information.
- takes all the information from the dendrites, and puts it together in a place called the axon hillock.
what are dendrites?
- branch like structures - from the cell body.
- pick up messages from other neurons and send them to the cell body.
what is the axon?
carries messages away from the cell body. It can be very long.
what is the myelin sheath?
- covers the axon to preserve the message and speeds up electrical transmission of the signals.
What are the nodes of ranvier?
gaps in the myelin sheath which help in speeding up the transmission of the nerve.
What are axon terminals?
end of the axon are terminal buttons that communicate with the next neuron
what is an action potential?
- If a signal coming from the dendrites is great enough, an action potential occurs, and the signal travels past the axon hillock and down the axon to the next neuron.
-an explosion of electrical activity. - occurs when a neuron sends information down an axon, away from the cell body.
what is the sensory neurons function and fibre length?
PNS –> CNS
long dendrites, short axon
what is the motor neurons function and fibre length?
CNS –> PNS
short dendrites, long axon
relay neuron
sends information between neurons
(transfers messages from sensory neurons to other interconnecting neurons or motor neurons)
what are neurotransmitters?
chemicals that are released from a synaptic vesicle into the synapse by neurons.
what is the process of synaptic transmission?
- nerve impulse travels down an axon
- nerve impulse reaches synaptic terminal
- this triggers the release of neurotransmitters
- the neurotransmitters are fired into the synaptic gap
- neurotransmitter binds with receptors on the dendrite of the
adjacent neuron - if successfully transmitted the neurotransmitter is taken up by the post-synaptic neuron
- the message will continue to be passed in this way via electrical impulses
What are excitatory neurotransmitters?
trigger nerve impulses in the receiving neuron (excite) and stimulate the brain into action. e.g. dopamine