HBS 2.1.3 The Neuron

Front

What are neurotransmitters?

Back

Substances (such as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmit nerve impulses across a synapse.

Front

What is the soma (cell body) of a neuron?

Back

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles; it integrates signals from the dendrites.

Front

What is a sensory neuron?

Back

Also called afferent neurons, they carry information into the CNS from sense organs, detecting changes inside and outside the body.

Front

What is the myelin sheath?

Back

A fatty layer that insulates the axon of a neuron, speeding up the transmission of nerve impulses.

Front

What is a synapse?

Back

The place at which a nervous impulse passes from one neuron to another.

Front

What are the nodes of Ranvier?

Back

Gaps in the myelin sheath that facilitate the rapid conduction of nerve impulses along the axon.

Front

What is the function of dendrites?

Back

Extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the soma.

Front

What is an axon?

Back

A long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Front

What is an interneuron?

Back

A type of neuron that connects sensory and motor neurons, processing information within the CNS.

Front

What is the role of motor neurons?

Back

Also called efferent neurons, they carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands to elicit a response.