Neuron Anatomy and Function

• What is a synapse in the context of neurons?


  It is the space between neurons for communication
• Which of the following is NOT part of a neuron?

  The lobe
• What is the name of the structure that connects the soma to the axon?

  Axon hillock
• What is the name of the structure that receives neurotransmitters?

  Receptor
• What is the role of the postsynaptic density?

  • Concentrates neurotransmitter receptors and signaling proteins at the postsynaptic membrane
  • Facilitates efficient signal transduction from the synaptic cleft into the postsynaptic neuron
• What do neurotransmitters do when released?

  They diffuse across the synaptic cleft
• What is the primary function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

  They provide structural and metabolic support for neurons and regulate the extracellular environment
• How do the functions of dendrites and axons contribute to neuronal communication?

  Dendrites receive signals, axons send them
• How does saltatory conduction affect nerve impulse speed?

  It makes nerve impulses travel much faster
• What is the role of the Nodes of Ranvier in axon conduction?

  They allow electrical signals to jump
• Why is the lobe not considered part of a single neuron?

  It is a region containing many neurons
• How does a signal propagate through a neuron?

  • Signal received by dendrites
  • Travels through soma and axon
  • Reaches axon hillock
  • Transmitted across synapse to next neuron
• What is the function of microglia in the CNS?

  They act as immune cells in the brain
• What is the formula to calculate the area of a circle?

  $A =$$\pi r^2$
• What is the name of the structure that receives signals from other neurons?

  Dendrite
• What is the purpose of the cell body (soma) surrounding the unmyelinated axon?

  Provides support and nutrients to the axon
• What are the four main parts of a neuron?

  Dendrites, Axon, Cell Body, Synapse
• What is the role of ependymal cells in the CNS?

  They line the ventricles and produce cerebrospinal fluid
• What is the name of the process that occurs at the nodes of Ranvier in a myelinated axon?

  Spread of depolarization
• What role do dendrites play in neuronal communication?

  Dendrites increase signal reception capacity
• What is the function of Schwann cells in the PNS?

  They form the myelin sheath
• What is the maximum value of the action potential?

  +40 mV
• What ions are involved in the sodium-potassium pump's activity?

  Sodium and potassium ions
• What happens to the cell membrane during depolarization?

  • Na+ channels open, allowing Na+ to enter the cell
  • This causes the membrane potential to become less negative (depolarization)
• What is the name of the structure that transmits signals to other neurons?

  Axon
• How do neurotransmitters travel across the synaptic cleft?

  • Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic neuron
  • They diffuse across the synaptic cleft
  • They then bind to and activate receptors on the postsynaptic neuron
• What is the role of the node of Ranvier in a neuron?

  • Gaps along the axon
  • Allow faster propagation of signals through saltatory conduction
• What are the types of glial cells in the CNS and PNS?

  CNS:

  • Ependymal
  • Oligodendrocytes
  • Astrocytes
  • Microglia

  
  

  PNS:

  • Satellite
  • Schwann
• What is the primary function of axons?

  Send signals along a single pathway
• What is the role of neurotransmitters in neuron communication?

  • Released from vesicles
  • Diffuse across synaptic cleft
  • Bind to receptors on dendrites
  • Facilitate information transmission
• What are the main parts of a neuron?

  • Soma (cell body)
  • Dendrites (receive signals)
  • Axon (transmits signals)
  • Synapse (where signals are transmitted between neurons)
• What do neurotransmitters bind to after diffusing?

  Receptors on the dendrite
• What is the purpose of the cell body in a neuron?

  It integrates signals and contains the nucleus
• What is the term for the downward phase after depolarization in an action potential?

  Repolarization
• What happens when electrical signals reach the axon terminal?

  Calcium channels open
• What is shown in the image regarding subthreshold stimuli?

  They combine at the hillock to reach threshold
• What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?

  They receive signals from other neurons
• What is the maximum value of the action potential?

  +40 mV
• What is the term for the point where action potentials are triggered?

  Action potential
• What is the purpose of the action potential?

  • Allows for the rapid transmission of signals along the neuron
  • Enables communication between different parts of the nervous system
  • Facilitates the integration and processing of information in the brain