Neurons and Their Functions in the Nervous System

Paul Andersen explains the basics of neurons, the fundamental units of the nervous system. He compares the neuron count in nematode worms and humans, highlighting the complexity of human neurons. The video covers neuron anatomy, including the cell body, dendrites, and axon, and explains how neurons transmit information through action potentials. The role of myelin sheaths in speeding up signal transmission is discussed. Neurons are classified structurally as multipolar, bipolar, unipolar, and axonic, and functionally as sensory, motor, and interneurons.

What is the basic unit of the nervous system?

• Neuron

• Cell body

• Axon

• Dendrite

How many neurons does a nematode worm have?

• 302

• 10,000

• 100 billion

• 1,000

Which part of the neuron is responsible for transmitting information?

• Nucleus

• Axon

• Dendrites

• Cell body

What is the function of myelin sheaths?

• To slow down nerve signals

• To produce neurotransmitters

• To connect neurons

• To insulate the axon and speed up signal transmission

What is the gap between two neurons called?

• Axon

• Dendrite

• Synapse

• Cell body

Which type of neuron is most common in the human body?

• Bipolar neuron

• Unipolar neuron

• Axonic neuron

• Multipolar neuron

What type of neuron is responsible for transmitting sensory information?

• Axonic neuron

• Sensory neuron

• Interneuron

• Motor neuron

Which neurons are involved in sending signals to muscles and glands?

• Sensory neurons

• Motor neurons

• Interneurons

• Axonic neurons

What is another name for sensory neurons?

• Afferent neurons

• Interneurons

• Axonic neurons

• Efferent neurons

Which type of neuron is primarily found in the brain and is not well understood?

• Multipolar neuron

• Bipolar neuron

• Axonic neuron

• Unipolar neuron