Structure Of Neurones Flashcards
What are the ‘signals’ passed along the length of a neuron?
Electrical impulses
What structure of a neurone do we have to learn?
A myelinated motor neuron
Cell body of a neuron- components
a deformed square shape
Nucleus + Rough ER
‘Dendrites’
What do dendrites do?
Carry impulses toward the cell body
What is the role of the cell body?
Synthesis of proteins
Production of neurotransmitters
(by nucleus and rough ER)
Axon
A long single fibre that carries impulses away from the cell body
What does the axon branch off into?
Short axon terminal branches at the end, each have a synaptic knob).
What is the role of synaptic knob?
To secrete neurotransmitter over the synapse junction
What are the cells wrapped around the axon called?
Schwann cells
Job of Schwann cells
Provide protection of the axon
Electrical insulation of the axon
How do Schwann cells protect and insulate the axon???
By their structure: contain many wrapped cell membranes around the axon called myelin
Myelin provides insulation and protection as a result
Do all neurones contain myelin?
No only myelinated neurones such as a myelinated motor neuron
What are the parts of the axon that are not covered in myelin called?
Nodes of Ranvier
Why are there nodes of Ranvier
For saltatory conduction of nerve impulses
