Structure of a neuron Flashcards
Dendrites
Are the bushy branches at the receiving end of a neuron. During neural communication, the end of the dendrites known as receptor sites, receive the neural message before it is sent to the cell body (soma) for processing
Axon
The axon is the long stick-like part of the neuron that extends down from the body of the cell to the end. It is responsible for transmitting the electrical impulse down from the receiving end of the neuron to the sending end
Myelin
The myelin of a neuron is the fatty and protien substances that look like small fatty bubbles along the axon. It functions to insulate the neuron, which helps to protect the axon and messages from interference. This also importantly helps to increase the speed of the electrical impulse moving from one end to the other
Axon Terminals
The axon- terminals are the sending end of a neuron, meaning they are responsible for the release of the message (in the form of chemicals) into the synapse. This is enabled by conducting electrical energy away from the cell body and sending it down the neuron