Anatomy of a neuron

Match the following

• A

• Neuron nucleus

• C

• Neuron terminal buttons

• E

• Neuron axon

• D

• neuron dendrites

• B

• Schwann cell

Answer explanation

the dendrites connects usually to other axons and receive a chemical signal : a neurotransmitter. When activated an action potential will travel from dendrites to axon to terminal button.

Match the following

• H

• Neuron soma

• 1

• neurotransmitter

• F

• node of Ranvier

• 4

• receptor to neurotransmitter

• G

• Synapse

Answer explanation

Shwann cells have multiple purpose. One of them is to accelerate the speed of propagation of the action potential along the axon. The parts of the axons that are not recovered with Schwann cells are called Nodes of Ranvier. This is the only place where membrane depolarization (AKA action potential) is observed in axons.

Which part of the neuron receive information from other neurons?

• from E

• from C

• from F

• from B

• from H

Answer explanation

The dendrites (E here in green) allow one neuron to connect to many other neurons before it. This neuron will then integrate the various messages from all its predecessors and decide wether or not to continue the transmission of the information downstream.

Which part of this neuron transmit information to another downstream neuron? ?

• from E

• from C

• from D

• from B

• from H

Answer explanation

The terminal "bouton" aka presynaptic bouton is where this neuron release a chemical called neurotransmitter, responsible for the transmission of information from one neuron to the next. One neuron can have multiple buttons connecting various other downstream neurons.

Which part of this neuron actually see a depolarization of the membrane?

• from E

• from D

• from G

• from B

• from H

This is a diagram of a neuron typically found in the in the peripheral nervous system. What glial cells can found wrapped around neurons in the brain?

• astrocytes

• oligodendrocytes

• microglia

• satellite cells

• Schwann

Answer explanation

Feature 1 in this diagram represents the neurotransmitters. Which of the molecules below is NOT a neurotransmitter?

• serotonin

• acetylcholine

• glutamate

• cafein

• noradrenaline

Answer explanation

Serotonin plays a key role in such body functions as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, and sexual desire

Acetylcholine is the main NT involved in motor functions

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and it is important to memory, cognition, and mood regulation.

Noradrenaline is both an hormone AND a neurotransmitter. It plays an essential role in the regulation of arousal (wakefulness), attention, and cognitive function.