Neurons Structure & Function

Front

What are neurons?

Back

Neurons are specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.

Front

What is the function of the axon in a neuron?

Back

The axon is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Front

What is the role of dendrites in a neuron?

Back

Dendrites receive signals from other neurons and convey this information to the cell body.

Front

What is the axon terminal?

Back

The axon terminal is the endpoint of an axon where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other neurons.

Front

What direction does an electrical signal move in a neuron?

Back

An electrical signal moves from the dendrites to the cell body and then down the axon.

Front

What is a synapse?

Back

A synapse is the junction between two neurons where communication occurs through neurotransmitters.

Front

What are neurotransmitters?

Back

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Front

What is the myelin sheath?

Back

The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that surrounds the axon, insulating it and increasing the speed of signal transmission.

Front

What is the function of the cell body (soma) in a neuron?

Back

The cell body contains the nucleus and organelles, and it integrates incoming signals from the dendrites.

Front

What is the difference between sensory neurons and motor neurons?

Back

Sensory neurons carry signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system, while motor neurons transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.