Dendrites

• How do dendrites collect information from other neurons?

  Through neurotransmitters
• What is the function of the soma in a neuron?

  It contains the nucleus and organelles
• What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?

  They receive messages from other neurons
• What is the protective covering of the axon called?

  Myelin sheath
• What is the primary function of dendrites?

  Receive signals
• What is the process of synaptic transmission involving dendrites?

  • Dendrites receive messages from other neurons
  • Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on dendritic spines
  • Chemical messages convert into electrical impulses
  • Impulses travel through the dendritic tree to the cell body
  • Information from multiple sources is summed
  • Action potential is triggered in the axon hillock
• What do dendrites receive messages from?

  Other neurons across the synaptic cleft
• What are the key components and functions of a neuron?

  • Soma: Contains nucleus and organelles
  • Axon: Transmits messages to other neurons
  • Dendrites: Receive messages from other neurons
  • Myelin sheath: Protects axon
  • Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in myelin sheath
  • Oligodendrocytes: Maintain myelin sheath
  • Synaptic end bulbs: Where axons end at synapse
• Which cells maintain the myelin sheath?

  Oligodendrocytes
• What is the role of dendrites in neuron communication?

  They collect information from other neurons
• What are the gaps in the myelin sheath called?

  Nodes of Ranvier
• How do dendrites differ from axons in neurons?

  Dendrites are multiple, axons are single
• What are the small protrusions on dendrites called?

  Spines
• Where does the action potential get triggered in a neuron?

  In the axon hillock
• What are the three main parts of a neuron?

  Soma, axon, and dendrites
• What shape do dendrites resemble?

  Tree-like structures
• What is the structure of dendrites?

  Tree-like pattern growing from the soma
• What is the function of the branched structure of dendrites?

  To allow complex integration of information
• How do dendrites contribute to the neuron structure?

  They act as the input zone of neurons
• What are the key features of dendrites?

  1. Collect information from other neurons
  2. Contain specialized receptors for neurotransmitters
  3. Branch repeatedly to create an extensive network
• What do spines on dendrites contain?

  Receptors that collect information
• What do dendrites contain that is crucial for their function?

  Specialized receptors for neurotransmitters
• What happens when neurotransmitters bind to receptors on dendritic spines?

  They convert chemical messages into electrical impulses
• How do electrical impulses travel after being generated in dendrites?

  They travel through the dendritic tree toward the cell body
• Why do dendrites branch repeatedly?

  To create an extensive network
• What role does the axon play in a neuron?

  It transmits messages to other neurons
• What is the role of dendrites in summing information?

  They sum information from multiple sources before triggering an action potential
• What is the role of dendrites in neurons?

  • Receive information from other neurons
  • Integrate signals from multiple sources
  • Increase surface area for neurotransmitter reception
• Why is the surface area of dendrites significant?

  It allows massive information reception
• Where do axons end in a neuron?

  In synaptic end bulbs at the synapse
• What structural feature of dendrites enhances their function?

  Large surface area to collect information
• How much larger is the surface area of dendrites compared to the cell body?

  Up to 4 million times