Neurons

What are neurons?

Neurons are nerve cells that allow the body to send electrical signals throughout.

What is the primary function of neurons?

To receive, interpret, and transmit information to form a response.

What is an example of how neurons function?

The nerves in your ear detect a telephone ringing and transmit that information to the CNS.

What are the three types of neurons?

Sensory neurons, association neurons (interneurons), and motor neurons.

What do sensory neurons do?

They convert external stimuli into internal electrical impulses and send signals from the body to the brain.

What is an example of sensory neuron function?

Hearing a telephone ring and sending signals from the ear to the brain.

What are association neurons also known as?

Interneurons.

Where are association neurons found?

In the brain.

What is the role of association neurons?

To interpret signals and send a response.

What do motor neurons do?

Transmit signals from the brain to body parts to form a response or movement.

What is an example of motor neuron function?

Physically moving your arm to pick up the phone.

What is a synapse?

The gap between two neurons where signals must jump from one neuron to the next.

What happens during synaptic transmission?

Neurotransmitters are released from the first nerve cell and bind to the dendrites of the second nerve cell, initiating an electrical signal.

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemicals that travel across the synapse to initiate signals in the next neuron.

What are the three fates of neurotransmitters after they initiate a signal?

Reuptake, degradation, and diffusion.

What is reuptake in synaptic transmission?

The presynaptic cell vacuums up neurotransmitters to be used again.

What is degradation in synaptic transmission?

Neurotransmitters are broken down by enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase breaking down acetylcholine.

What is diffusion in synaptic transmission?

Neurotransmitters diffuse out of the synapse.

What initiates an electrical signal in the second neuron during synaptic transmission?

Neurotransmitters binding to the dendrites of the second nerve cell.