TYPES OF NEURONS/NEUROPLASTICITY

Question 1

WHAT ARE THE 3 MAIN KINDS OF NEURONS? (SIM)

Answer 1

Sensory neuron: found primarily in PNS
Interneurons: found primarily in only the CNS
Motor neurons: found primarily in PNS

Question 2

SENSORY NEURONS?

Answer 2

• also called afferent neurons (effect)
• receive and carry sensory information
• this information is received from both our external and internal environment then transmitted to the CNS

Question 3

MOTOR NEURONS?

Answer 3

• also called efferent neurons (exit)
• carry messages from the CNS to the cells in skeletal muscles to stimulate activity
• enable muscles so we can move, walk or speak

Question 4

INTERNEURONS?

Answer 4

• act as a link between sensory and motor neurons, relaying information from one to the other

Question 5

EXAMPLE OF TYPES OF NEURONS?

Answer 5

For example, if you pick up a hot pan, sensory neurons will carry the sensory information from the PNS to the CNS where interneurons will receive and process this info. Then a message is to be sent back to the body through motor neurons to move your hand so that the pan drops.

Question 6

WHAT IS NEURAL PLASTICITY?

Answer 6

• neural plasticity is the ability of the brain’s function to be changed by experiences throughout the lifespan

Question 7

LONG-TERM PONTENTIATION? (LTP)

Answer 7

• refers to long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections

Question 8

LONG-TERM DEPRESSION? (LTD)

Answer 8

• opposite of LTP
• long-lasting decrease in the strength of synaptic transmission