6.3.2.2 Dendrites

• What is the purpose of the postsynaptic density in the synaptic transmission process?

  • The postsynaptic density is a specialized region of the postsynaptic neuron
  • It contains a high concentration of neurotransmitter receptors and signaling proteins
  • This allows for efficient signal transduction from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron
• Why is the structure of dendrites important?

  It maximizes surface area for receiving signals
• What is the signal flow direction for dendrites?

  Inward, toward cell body
• What do the pink and orange structures in the image represent?

  • They represent receptors on the dendrites
  • They bind neurotransmitters (green dots)
• What is the structure labeled as "dendrite" in the image?

  Dendrite
• What are the key components of a neuron?

  • Soma (cell body)
  • Dendrites (receive signals)
  • Axon (transmits signals)
  • Synapse (connects neurons)
  • Node of Ranvier (along axon)
  • Schwann cells (insulate axon)
• What is the name of the structure that transports neurotransmitters?

  Neurotransmitter transporter
• How do dendrites receive signals?

  Through neurotransmitters released by other neurons
• What is the signal flow direction for axons?

  Outward, from cell body
• What is the structure labeled as "nucleolus" in the image?

  Nucleolus
• What are the steps involved in neurotransmitter signaling to dendrites?

  1. Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles
  2. They travel across the synaptic cleft
  3. They bind to specific receptors on the dendrite
• What is Nissl substance and its significance in dendrites?

  • Nissl substance appears as purple patches
  • It distinguishes dendrites from other cellular components
  • Indicates the presence of rough endoplasmic reticulum
• What is the name of the structure that connects one neuron to another?

  Synapse
• What do neurotransmitters bind to on the dendrites?

  Specific receptors
• What are the structures labeled as "Dendrites and soma" in the image?

  Dendrites
• What is the structure labeled as "axon hillock" in the image?

  Axon hillock
• What is the name of the structure that receives signals from other neurons?

  Dendrite
• What is the primary function of dendrites?

  They capture signals from other neurons
• What does the image of dendrites show?

  Dendrites extending from the cell body
• What role do synaptic vesicles play in neurotransmitter signaling?

  They release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
• What is the name of the structure that releases neurotransmitters?

  Synaptic vesicle
• How does the structure of a neuron allow for efficient signal transmission?

  • Dendrites receive signals
  • Soma integrates signals
  • Axon transmits signals to other neurons
  • Myelin sheath insulates axon for faster transmission
  • Nodes of Ranvier allow for saltatory conduction
  • Synapses connect neurons for signal propagation
• How do dendrites interact with other neurons?

  They receive signals via synapses
• What role do dendrites play in neuron function?

  They receive signals from other neurons
• How do dendrites appear under a microscope?

  As thin fibers containing Nissl substance
• What is the significance of dendritic spines in the brain?

  • Crucial for learning
  • Important for brain plasticity
• What is the name of the structure where the cell body of the neuron is located?

  Soma
• What is the primary function of dendritic spines?

  To increase surface area for synaptic connections
• What is the primary purpose of dendrites?

  Receive signals
• What is the role of the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel in the synaptic transmission process?

  • The voltage-gated Ca2+ channel opens when the presynaptic neuron is depolarized
  • This allows Ca2+ ions to flow into the presynaptic terminal
  • The influx of Ca2+ triggers the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft
• How do dendrites differ in structure from axons?

  Dendrites are branch-like, axons are single fibers
• What is the synaptic cleft?

  The gap between two neurons
• How do dendritic spines affect a neuron's capacity?

  They enhance the capacity to receive and process signals
• What are dendritic spines?

  Small protrusions along dendrites
• What is the name of the structure that receives neurotransmitters?

  Receptor
• What is the primary purpose of axons?

  Transmit signals
• What is the structure labeled as "Incoming axon" in the image?

  Axon
• What is the location of dendrites in a neuron?

  Input zone
• How do the functions of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM) differ?

  • TEMs produce 2D images, while SEMs produce 3D images
  • TEMs can only be used for living specimens, while SEMs are for non-living samples
• What are dendrites?

  Branch-like structures from a neuron's cell body