Exploring Neurons and Glial Cells

Front

What is a neuron?

Back

A neuron is a specialized cell that transmits nerve impulses in the nervous system, consisting of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon.

Front

What is the function of dendrites?

Back

Dendrites are the branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body.

Front

What is the role of the axon?

Back

The axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Front

What is the soma of a neuron?

Back

The soma, or cell body, contains the nucleus and organelles, and is responsible for maintaining the cell's health and function.

Front

What is an action potential?

Back

An action potential is a rapid change in the electrical charge of a neuron's membrane that allows it to transmit signals.

Front

What ion is primarily responsible for depolarization during an action potential?

Back

Sodium ions (Na⁺) are primarily responsible for depolarization during an action potential.

Front

What is repolarization in the context of an action potential?

Back

Repolarization is the process of restoring the membrane potential to its resting state after depolarization, primarily through the efflux of potassium ions (K⁺).

Front

What are glial cells?

Back

Glial cells are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support, protect, and maintain the function of neurons.

Front

What is the function of oligodendrocytes?

Back

Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell that forms the myelin sheath around axons in the central nervous system, facilitating faster signal transmission.

Front

What is the myelin sheath?

Back

The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates axons, increasing the speed of electrical impulses along the nerve.