Signaling within Neurons

Front

What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?

Back

Dendrites receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body.

Front

What ions are positively charged and have a higher concentration outside of a nerve cell at rest?

Back

Sodium ions.

Front

Which type of axon conducts nerve impulses the slowest?

Back

Unmyelinated axons.

Front

Describe the pathway of action potentials in a neuron.

Back

Action potentials run along the axon from dendrites to axon terminals.

Front

What phase of an action potential is represented by hyperpolarization?

Back

Hyperpolarization is the phase where the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential.

Front

What is the role of the axon in a neuron?

Back

The axon transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Front

What is myelination and its significance in nerve impulse conduction?

Back

Myelination is the process of forming a myelin sheath around axons, which increases the speed of nerve impulse conduction.

Front

What are voltage-gated channels and their function?

Back

Voltage-gated channels are proteins that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential, allowing ions to flow in and out of the neuron.

Front

What is the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Back

The resting membrane potential is typically around -70 mV, indicating a negative charge inside the neuron relative to the outside.

Front

What occurs during depolarization in a neuron?

Back

During depolarization, the membrane potential becomes less negative (more positive) due to the influx of sodium ions.