Physiology condensed Flashcards
Parts of the neurone?
Dendrites
Cell body (soma)
Cell membrane
Nucleus
Axon hillock
Myelin sheath
Node of Ranvier
Schwann cell
Axon
Axon terminal
Dendrite function?
Receives the signals from other cells
Cell body function?
Organises and keeps the cell functional
Cell membrane function?
Protects the cell
Axon hillock function?
Generates impulses in the neurone
Node of Ranvier function?
Allows the diffusion of ions
Schwann cell function?
Produces the myelin sheath. Particularly in the PNS
Axon terminal function?
Forms junctions with other cells
Myelin sheath function?
Increases speed of signal
Axon function?
Transfers signals to other cells and organs
Nucleus function?
Controls the entire neurone
How many neurone types are there and what are they?
4 types:
Unipolar
Pseudounipolar
Bipolar
Multipolar
All pseudounipolar neurones are sensory. True/false?
True
Unipolar neurones are present in humans. True/false
False, only present in invertebrates i.e. flies etc.
Bipolar neurone primary function?
Mainly used as special sense neurones used for the transmission of sense.
Multipolar neurones primary function?
Function is to conduct motor impulses within the brain and spinal cord. These are the most abundant neurone type in the brain.
Stages of action potential?
1) Initiating depolarisation as a result of a stimulus.
2) Depolarisation curve. During this, Na+ ion influx.
3) At the peak of the curve, Na+ ion channels begin to close and K+ ion channels begin to open.
4) Repolarisation curve. During this, K+ ion efflux.
5) When getting back down to threshold. K+ ion channels begin to close.
6) In hyperpolarisation, all K+ leak channels open and some V gated K + channels still open.
7) All channels close upon reaching resting state.
The order of the somatosensory system?
1) Stimulus
2) Cation channels (channels that allow flow of both Na and K ions) -> depolarising potential.
Higher amplitude = higher stimulus intensity.
3) If amplitude > threshold. A.P is at a frequency proportional to amplitude.
4) Action potential (A.P) arriving at the central terminal causes the realease of neurotransmitter to the 2nd neuron.
Low threshold units = ?
Low intensity, non-damaging stimulus. Examples include fine discriminatory touch.
High threshold units (nociceptors) = ?
High intensity, damaging stimulus. Examples include:
High intensity mechanical stimuli.
Thermal nociceptors - respond to temp extremes (<10, >45).
Chemical nociceptors - repond to substances in tissues (inflammation).