parts of a neuron

Question 1

Neurons

Answer 1

A neuron is an individual nerve cell.
Building block of the nervous system.
NS is comprised of neurons organised into complex chains and networks.
Neurons have specified functions. Some send information from the sense organs to the CNS. Others send information to the organs from the CNS
They carry information in the form of an action potential to the appropriate part of the nervous system to interpret and respond

Question 1

Dendrites

Answer 1

A dendrite is a thin extension of a neuron that receives information from other neurons and transmits it to the soma.
Separate like the branches of a tree.
The neurons capability to form or grow new dendritic spines is associated with and demonstrates neuroplasticity

Question 2

Soma

Answer 2

Cell body
Combines information received from the many dendrites and sends it to the axon.
Within the soma is the nucleus which helps maintain the neuron and keeps it functioning.

Question 3

Axon

Answer 3

Tubelike, extension that transmits neural information away from the soma to other neurons or cells.
They vary in length – some extend over a metre from your spine to your big toe, others are as small as the width of a single hair

Question 4

Axon terminals

Answer 4

The small branches at the end of the axon.
At the end of the axon terminals are small sac like structures that stores and secrete a chemical called neurotransmitter. These are called terminal buttons.
Carries its message to other neurons or cells

Question 5

Myelin

Answer 5

Myelin Sheath
White, fatty substance that coats and helps insulate the axon from the activity of other nearby axons.
Is not a continuous coating. It occurs in segments that are separated by small gaps, which are called Nodes of Ranvier.
The myelin sheath coating prevents interference from nearby axons
Myelinated neurons communicate faster then non myelinated neurons.

Question 6

Synapse

Answer 6

Neurons never touch, there is a tiny little gap between the terminal and the next dendrite. This is called the synaptic gap or synaptic cleft.
The synaptic gap is where the communication occurs.
There are two other components of the synapse they are the terminal buttons of the sending neuron and the dendrites of the receiving neuron.

Question 7

Neurons

Answer 7

Information always travels in one direction.
Received by dendrites, passes through the soma and exits from the axon. When it reaches the axon terminals, it stimulates the release of neurotransmitter from the terminal buttons.
Neurotransmitter carries the message to other neurons.