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Biopsychology - Structure and function of neurons - Spec Point 2 - AS CONTENT
What is the function of neurons
to send electrical and chemical messages around the body to sense organs and glands to be directed to the CNS
What are the three kinds of neurons
Sensory Neurons
Motor Neurons
Relay Neurons
What do Sensory Neurons do
Transfer info from PNS to CNS to keep brain informed on info from sensory organs
What are the main features of Sensory neurons
One way transmission
Long dendrites and short axons
Cell body usually to the side
what do motor neurons do
send signals from CNS to organs, glands and muscles to control physical movements eg contracting and relaxing muscles
what are the main features motor neurons
Two way transmission
Short dendrites and long axons
What do Relay neurons do
Connect sensory neurons to motor neurons
What are the main features of relay neurons
two way transmission
Short axons and dendrites
Cell Body
contains the nucleus of the neuron
Dendrites
transfers electrical charge from one neuron to the next
Axon
‘Body’ of the neuron - carries electric charge down the neuron
Myelin Sheath
fatty protective cover of axon to speed up neural impulses
Terminal Knob
end of neuron to communicate across synaptic cleft
