Neuron Structure and Function

Function of dendrites

• Transmit signals to other neurons

• Receive signals from other neurons

• Generate electrical impulses

• Protect the neuron from damage

What is a synaptic cleft?

• The small gap between two neurons at a synapse where neurotransmitters are released

• A type of neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve impulses

• The area where action potentials are generated in a neuron

• A structure that connects two different types of neurons

Function of interneurons

• Connect sensory and motor neurons and process information within the CNS

• Transmit signals from the brain to the muscles

• Detect environmental stimuli and send signals to the brain

• Support and protect neurons in the nervous system

Microglia

• Phagocytes that defend CNS

• Neurons that transmit signals

• Astrocytes that support blood-brain barrier

• Oligodendrocytes that insulate axons

Two divisions of the nervous system

• CNS and PNS

• Cerebrum and Cerebellum

• Sympathetic and Parasympathetic

• Central and Peripheral

Role of synapse

• Junction where information is transmitted from one neuron to another

• A type of neurotransmitter

• A part of the neuron that generates action potentials

• A structure that supports the neuron physically

Function of sensory neurons

• Transmit impulses from sensory receptors to the CNS

• Transmit impulses from the CNS to muscles

• Process sensory information in the brain

• Regulate hormone levels in the body

What is a neurotransmitter?

• Chemical messenger that transmits signals across a synapse

• A type of hormone that regulates mood

• A protein that helps in muscle contraction

• A mineral essential for nerve function

Following an action potential

• Potassium flows into the cell, causing depolarization.

• Sodium flows out of the cell, restoring the resting potential.

• Potassium flows out of the cell, and the Na-K pump restores the resting potential.

• Calcium flows into the cell, triggering neurotransmitter release.

Depolarization

• Sodium into cell passively

• Potassium out of cell actively

• Chloride into cell passively

• Calcium into cell actively