Neuron anatomy and function test - The Connected Mind

Review the diagram and information you have learned about the neuron. You will be tested on the anatomy of the neuron and its function in the brain, How it develops during adolescents, and the changes that take place.

What is NOT a part of the nervous system?

Backbone

What are the two main cell types of the nervous system?

Neurons and neuroglia

How many neurons are found in the average human body?

Around 100 billion

What are the electrical messages called that neurons pass?

Impulses

Does a neuron send a message, receive a message, or both?

Both

Sensory messages

goes around from your sensory organs to your brain and tells your braun about the outside environment (ex: It’s cold, something smells bad)

Motor messages

goes from your brain about the outside environment and tells your muscles to contract, such as when you raise a hand to ask a questions or blink the eye

1

Cell body

2

Nucleus

3

Dendrites

4

Axon Hillock

5

Nodes of Ranvier

6

Axon terminal

7

Synaptic End Bulbs

8

Myelin Sheath

9

Schwann Cell

10

Axon

What system is the brain apart of?

the nervous system

Importance of myelin

• allows connected neurons to communicate with each other in a much more effective way

• our bodies rely on myelin to enable rapid transport of a message on the axon

• provides axon with insulation

How do neurons communicate?

through electrical and chemical signals

Why is the knowledge of neurons important when learning about the adolescent brain and technology?

Neurons are the basic building blocks of our brain; they help with transmitting information and forming connections; allows us to understand how the brain develops and how technology impacts it

Cell body

also known as the soma; contains organelles, such as the mitochondria and lysosomes; where proteins and necessary molecules are produced

Schwann cells

Cells found along the myelin sheath; produces the myelin sheath in the nerves as well as the peripheral nervous system; cells that wrap axons repeatedly

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath; locations on the axon that impulses jump to

Myelin Sheath

Insulates the axon of a neuron (makes sure the electricity stays where it needs to be); layered covering over the axon; made of lipids and proteins; similar to insulation covering an electrical wire; similar to electrical impulses along the axon

Dendrites

Many projections on a neuron; receives electrical impulses from neighboring neurons

Axon

One, long projection on a neuron; sends messages towards another neuron

oligodendrocytes

Produces the myelin sheath in the brain, the spinal cord, and the central nervous system

Synaptic End Bulbs

Swellings at the end of axon terminals; stores neurotransmitters

Axon Hillock

Where the axon connects with the cell body

Axon terminal

The fine projections at the end of the axon