Neuron Flashcards

Flashcards about neurons, their structure, and function.

What are neurons?

Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system that receive and transmit signals throughout the body in physical and electrical forms.

What are the three main parts of a neuron?

Dendrites, cell body, and axon.

What is the function of dendrites?

Dendrites receive messages from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body.

What components are found within the cell body of a neuron?

A nucleus, Golgi body, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and other components.

What is the function of the axon?

The axon carries electrical impulses from the cell body to the axon terminals.

What is a synapse?

The chemical junction between the terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron.

Name the three types of neurons.

Sensory neuron, relay neuron, and motor neuron.

What is the function of a sensory neuron?

Carries impulses from the receptors to the spinal cord.

What is the function of a relay neuron?

Carries impulses to and from the spinal cord and the brain.

What is the function of a motor neuron?

Carries impulses from the brain to the effector.

What are receptors?

Groups of specialized cells that detect changes in the environment (stimulus) and produce electrical impulses in response.

What are effectors?

Parts of the body, such as muscles and glands, that produce a response to a detected stimulus.

What is a reflex arc?

The nerve pathway followed by a reflex action.

Describe the sequence of events in a reflex arc when touching something hot.

1. Receptor detects stimulus. 2. Sensory neuron sends impulses to relay neuron in the spinal cord. 3. Motor neuron sends impulses to an effector. 4. Effector produces a response (muscle contracts).