Biology I - Nervous System - Studying the Brain - neural cell types, neruon structure

Q: What embryonic layer do neural stem and crest cells originate from?

A: Ectoderm.

Q: What’s the main function of neurons?

A: To process and transmit information.

Q: What do neural stem cells give rise to?

A: Most neurons and glia in the CNS.

Q: What do neural crest cells give rise to?

A: Most neurons in the PNS.

Q: What are dendrites specialized for?

A: Receiving input from other cells.

Q: Where is an action potential first generated in a neuron?

A: Axon initial segment (trigger zone).

Q: What part of the neuron forms the synapse with a target cell?

A: Axon terminal.

Q: What is the function of the growth cone during development?

A: Guides the growing axon toward its target using chemical cues.

Q: What type of neuron has one axon and multiple dendrites?

A: Multipolar neuron.

Q: What makes pseudounipolar neurons unique?

A: One process splits into two axons, one peripheral, one central.

Q: What is the role of neuroblasts during neural development?

A: They migrate to their final location and extend an axon guided by a growth cone.

Q: Describe the structure of a pseudounipolar neuron.

A: One short process splits into two long axons. peripheral brings info in; central sends info to CNS.

Q: Where is the axon initial segment/trigger zone in a pseudounipolar neuron?

A: At the end of the peripheral axon.

Q: What is the function of the axon hillock?

A: It’s the site where the axon exits the soma and where action potentials begin.