Neuron Anatomy and Physiology

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

axon

What is the function of the axon?

transmit action potentials away from the soma (neuron cell body)

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

axon hillock

What is the function of the axon hillock?

it’s the area where the action potential begins before propagating down the axon

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

axon terminal

What is the function of the axon terminal?

to convert electrical signals into chemical signals before transmitting them to other body structures (glands, tissues, etc.)

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

soma (cell body)

What is the function of the soma?

acts as the genetic and metabolic center for a neuron

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

dendrite

What is the function of the dendrite?

To receive signals from outside the cell and transmit them towards the soma

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

Endoneurium

What is the function of the endoneurium?

to surround and protect each individual nerve fiber

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

myelin sheath

What is the function of the myelin sheath?

the fatty material of the myelin sheath physically protects the axon and also provides electrical insulation by preventing action potentials from taking place anywhere but the nodes of ranvier

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

Node of Ranvier

What is the function of nodes of ranvier?

unmyelinated sections along the axon capable of allowing action potentials to occur

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

nissl body (Chromatophilic substance)

What is the function of nissl bodies (Chromatophilic substance)?

these structures are basically clumps of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the soma and dendrites that secrete protiens such as neurotransmitters

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

nucleolus

what is the function of the nucleolus?

makes ribosimes for the neuron

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

nucleus

What is the function of the nucleus?

storing DNA for the neuron

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

Schwann Cell

What is the function of the Schwann Cell?

Maintains the myeli sheath

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

neuron

What is the structure at the tip of the arrow?

neuroglia (glial cell)

what is the function of the neuroglia?

to support homeostasis, form myelin, and protect neurons