Structure and Function of Neurons

Front

What are neurons?

Back

Neurons are nerve cells that process and transmit messages through electrical and chemical signals.

Front

What percentage of neurons are in the brain?

Back

80% of neurons are in the brain.

Front

What is the function of dendrites?

Back

Dendrites are branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons and carry them toward the cell body.

Front

What does the cell body (soma) contain and do?

Back

The cell body contains the nucleus (genetic material), processes electrical signals from dendrites, and provides energy and support for the neuron.

Front

What is the function of the axon?

Back

The axon transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body towards the terminal buttons.

Front

What is the myelin sheath and its function?

Back

The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that protects the axon and accelerates the transmission of electrical signals along the axon.

Front

What are terminal buttons and their function?

Back

Terminal buttons house neurotransmitters in vesicles and send signals to other neurons. They end at a gap called the synapse.

Front

What is the function of sensory neurons?

Back

Sensory neurons carry messages from the Peripheral Nervous System to the Central Nervous System and process sensory input like touch in the somatosensory cortex.

Front

What is the structure of sensory neurons?

Back

Sensory neurons usually have long dendrites and short axons.

Front

What is the function of relay neurons?

Back

Relay neurons relay messages between sensory and motor neurons, process incoming info, and are crucial in reflex arcs for rapid automatic responses.