Synaptic Transmission*

Question 1

What is the role of a sensory neuron?

Answer 1

Carries impulses from receptors on the surface of skin to the central nervous system.

Question 2

What is the role of a motor neurone?

Answer 2

Carries impulses from the central nervous system to effectors i.e. muscles.

Question 3

What is the role of a relay neurone?

Answer 3

Located in the spinal cord or brain, they connect sensory and motor neurones.

Question 4

List the stages of synaptic transmission.

Answer 4

1) . Action potential travels along the Axon of the preceding neurone.
2) . Triggers the release of neurotransmitters from the synaptic vesicles.
3) . Cross the synaptic cleft.
4) . Can be either excitatory or inhibitory.

Question 5

Give an example of an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Answer 5

Excitatory: Dopamine
Inhibitory: Serotonin.

Question 6

Describe the appearance of a relay neuron.

Answer 6

• No myelin sheath
• Cell body is part of the dendron
• Long axon

Question 7

What is the appearance of a sensory neuron?

Answer 7

• Modestly long axon and dendron.
• Cell body petrudes in between the axon and dendron.
• Has a myelin sheath.

Question 8

What is the appearance of a motor neuron?

Answer 8

• Has a myelin sheath,
• Long axon
• Cell body is surrounded by dendrites.