transmission within a neuron Flashcards
what is it meant by specialised cells?
cells are specialized according to their function
designed to carry out particular role in the body
define diffusion
movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
what makes up the CNS?
brain and spinal cord
what makes up the PNS?
all other nerves
what is the role of sensory neurons?
carry information from body to interneurons
information includes:
light
sounds
smell
what is the role of interneurons?
link the sensory neurons to the motor neurons
process information from sensory neuron
what is the role of motor neurons?
carry information to the body from the CNS
important in controlling contraction of muscles
how many neurons are there in the brain?
86 billion
outline the structure of a (motor) neuron
- soma
- dendrites
- axon
- myelin sheath
- terminal buttons
what is the soma of a neuron?
cell body
contains the nucleus of neuron
what are dendrites?
- branches that connect to other neurons
- receive messages from neurons
what are axons?
- these carry information along action potential
- from soma to terminal buttons
what is the myelin sheath?
- wraps around the axon
- allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently
what are terminal buttons?
- at the end of axon branches
- responsible for sending the signal on to other neurons
what are the two types of cells?
- neurons
- supporting cells (glia)
identify types of glia
- astrocytes
- oligodendrocytes
- microglia