structure and function of neurons

    Cards (24)

    • sensory neuron
      -
    • relay neuron

      -
    • motor neuron

      -
    • role of dendrites
      They connect to a cell body which is the control centre of the neuron and send out impulses which travel along the axon and terminates at the axon terminal.
    • myelin sheath
      forms an insulating layer within the brain and spinal cord and forms around the axon.
      This allows nerve impulses to transmit more rapidly along the axon
    • Sensory receptors
      transmit nerve impulses to the spinal cord and brain. 

      convert information into neural impulses which are translated into sensations (heat, pain, visual input, sound input) once they reach the brain.
    • Some neurons are terminated at the spinal cord and not all information reaches the brain.
      This allows reflex actions to occur quickly without the delay of impulses needing to reach the brain
    • Relay neurons are located
      within the brain and spinal cord
    • Relay neurons allow...

       motor neurons and sensory neurons to communicate bridging sensory input and motor reaction output; carrying messages from one part of the CNS to another.
    • Motor neurons are located in the
      central nervous system 
    • Motor neurons

      • project their axons either directly or indirectly by forming synapses with muscles to control muscle contractions
      • release neurotransmitters when stimulated which bind to muscle receptors and trigger movements. 
    • reflex arc

      stimulus ➡receptor ➡CNS ➡sensory ➡relay ➡motor ➡effector
    • What type of cells are responsible for quick reactions to pain?
      Neurons
    • What is the structure formed by neurons that allows for quick reactions called?
      Reflex arc
    • What are the three types of neurons involved in a reflex arc?
      • Sensory neuron
      • Relay neuron
      • Motor neuron
    • What does the cell body of a neuron contain?

      The nucleus of the cell
    • What are the two main structures on the length of a neuron?
      Axon and dendrites
    • What is the function of axon terminals?

      They transmit signals to the next neuron
    • What is the synapse?

      The junction where one neuron communicates with another
    • What is the myelin sheath made of?

      Schwann cells
    • What is the role of the myelin sheath?

      To protect the neuron and increase transmission speed
    • What is the muscle at the end of the motor neuron called?

      Effector
    • What are the steps involved in the reflex arc process?
      1. Sensation detected by sensory receptors
      2. Electrical signal travels along dendrite to axon
      3. Signal converts to chemical signal at axon terminal
      4. Chemical signal crosses synapse to relay neuron
      5. Reflex response sent to motor neuron
      6. Information sent to central nervous system for processing
    • What happens when the signal reaches the motor neuron?

      It activates the effector, causing movement
    See similar decks