Neuron anatomy and physiology

What is the arrow pointing to?

neuron

What is the arrow pointing to?

nissil body

What is the arrow pointing to?

node of ranvier

What is the arrow pointing to?

myelin sheath

What is the arrow pointing to?

axon hillock

What is the arrow pointing to?

dendrite

What is the arrow pointing to?

axon

What is the arrow pointing to?

endoneurium

Identify the type of cell next to the vertical black line.

Schwann cell

Identify the entire structure indicated by the black line.

cell body / soma

Identify the structure indicated by the arrow (the large round ball).

nucleus

Identify the structure indicated by the arrow.

axon terminal

What is the function of the neuron?

Neurons are the primary type of cell that most anyone associates with the nervous system. They are responsible for the computation and communication that the nervous system provides. They are electrically active and release chemical signals to target cells

What is the function of the nissil body?

Nissl bodies are actually just concentrated clumps of rough endoplasmic reticulum, so like rough endoplasmic reticulum in other cell types, they are responsible for creating secreted proteins. For neurons, this includes the neurotransmitters used to communicated with other neurons. Note the lack of Nissl bodies in the axon hillock and axon.

What is the function of the node of ranvier?

These are gaps in between adjacent myelin sheaths. In other words, these are sections of the axon that remain unmyelinated. This allows actions potentials to occur at the nodes of Ranvier. By limiting the action potentials from only occurring at these nodes, the action potential propagation ultimate arrives at the axon terminals significantly faster than an axon that is fully unmyelinated. 

What is the function of the myelin sheath?

This fatty structure is provided by the Schwann cell. Naturally white in color, this structure provides physical protection and electrical insulation for the axon. The electrical insulation prevents action potentials from happening along most of the axon's length, only allowing them to happen in gaps between sheaths known as the nodes of Ranvier.

What is the function of the axon hillock?

This triangular structure (colored a red-orange) comes off of towards the bottom of this neuron's cell body. Functionally, this axon hillock is responsible for starting an action potential that will eventually propagate down the axon.

What is the function of the dendrite?

branch-like extensions of a neuron that primarily function to receive, process, and transmit electrochemical signals from other neurons to the cell body (soma)

What is the function of the axon?

transmits electrical impulses (action potentials) away from the cell body toward other neurons, muscles, or glands

What is the function of the endoneurium?

a delicate layer of connective tissue that surrounds individual nerve fibers (axons) in the peripheral nervous system, functioning primarily to electrically isolate axons, provide structural support, and maintain a specialized microenvironment. It protects axons, aids in regeneration, and ensures efficient signal transmission

What is the function of the Schwann cell nucleus?

the primary glial cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that essential support neurons by forming insulating myelin sheaths around axons to accelerate signal transmission

What is the function of the soma?

the core component of a neuron that houses the nucleus and organelles, responsible for maintaining cell health, producing proteins, and integrating incoming electrical signals from dendrites

What is the function of the axon terminal?

the crucial communication hub of a neuron, converting electrical signals (action potentials) into chemical signals (neurotransmitters) to transmit information across synapses to other neurons, muscle cells, or glands. They store, release, and recycle neurotransmitters via synaptic vesicles

What is the function of the neuron nucleus?

regulates gene expression, directs protein synthesis, and maintains the cell