Higher Human Biology 3.4 Cells of the Nervous System

Front

What is the role of endorphins in the nervous system?

Back

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that help reduce the intensity of pain and promote feelings of pleasure or euphoria.

Front

What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?

Back

The cell body contains the nucleus and other organelles, and it is responsible for maintaining the cell's health and function.

Front

What is an agonist in the context of neurotransmitters?

Back

An agonist is a substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response, such as morphine, which mimics the action of endorphins.

Front

What is myelination and why is it important?

Back

Myelination is the process of forming a myelin sheath around the axons of neurons, which increases the speed of electrical impulses and improves coordination of responses.

Front

What is a synapse?

Back

A synapse is the junction between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle fiber, where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.

Front

What are dendrites and their function?

Back

Dendrites are the branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body.

Front

What is the axon and its role in a neuron?

Back

The axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Front

What is the myelin sheath and its significance?

Back

The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates axons, allowing for faster transmission of electrical signals along the nerve.

Front

What is the difference between an agonist and an antagonist?

Back

An agonist activates receptors to produce a response, while an antagonist blocks receptors and inhibits a response.

Front

How do neurotransmitters affect communication between neurons?

Back

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse, influencing the activity of the receiving neuron.