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Nerves

Nerves are thread-like structures that form a network of pathways that transmit information from the brain to the body and the body to the brain, in the form of electrical impulses.

1,605 Questions

Who named synapse?

The term "synapse" was coined by the English physiologist Charles Scott Sherrington in 1897 to describe the junction between two neurons where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted.

What structure insulates neurons?

The myelin sheath is a structure that insulates neurons. It is made up of specialized cells called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. The myelin sheath helps to increase the speed and efficiency of nerve impulse conduction along the axon.

Explain why a change in extracellular sodium did not alter the membrane potential in the resting neuron?

A change in extracellular sodium concentration would not alter the resting membrane potential of a neuron because the resting potential is primarily determined by the relative concentrations of sodium and potassium ions inside and outside the cell, as mediated by the sodium-potassium pump and leak channels. Changes in extracellular sodium concentration would not directly affect this equilibrium.

What does communication in the nervous system depend on which are electrical impulses that travel from neuron to neuron?

Communication in the nervous system depends on the transmission of electrical impulses, known as action potentials, that travel along the length of neurons. These electrical signals allow for the rapid and precise transmission of information from one neuron to another, enabling various functions such as sensory perception, motor responses, and cognition.

What is the value for the resting membrane potential for most neurons?

The resting membrane potential for most neurons is around -70 millivolts. This negative charge inside the cell compared to the outside is maintained by the unequal distribution of ions across the cell membrane, with higher concentrations of potassium ions inside the cell and sodium ions outside.

What is the primary feature of a neuron that prevents the action potential from traveling back from where it just passed?

Antidromic conduction, or the process of an action potential traveling backwards, is possible. However, regardless of the direction of the action potential, it is propagated by voltage-gated ion channels. Whenever these channels open, there is a sudden exchange of ions, after which the channels snap shut. During this period, known as the refractory period, the channels will not reopen, and thus an action potential will not be able to reverse direction.

Why can't adults hear high frequency ring tones?

As humans age, the ability to hear high frequencies diminishes due to natural changes in the inner ear. This process is known as presbycusis. High frequency ring tones typically fall within the range that becomes more difficult for adults to hear as they get older, which is why they may have trouble hearing them.

What is the microscopic space that separates the axon of one neuron from the dendrites of another neuron?

The microscopic space that separates the axon terminal of one neuron from the dendrites of another neuron is called the synaptic cleft. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal into the synaptic cleft to communicate with the dendrites of the neighboring neuron.

What is meant by 'input nerve cell'and'output nerve cell'?

An input nerve cell receives signals from other neurons and transmits them to the central nervous system for processing. An output nerve cell sends signals from the central nervous system to muscles, glands, or other neurons to produce a response.

What begins when a neuron is stimulated by another neuron or by the environment true or false?

From the axon terminal of another neuron, a bunch of chemicals (neurotransmitters) are released and travel across the synapse (junction of two neurons). If enough stimulate the second neuron, the total energy triggers another action potential. Short and simple explanation--message me if you want more info!

Why is the resting membrane potential the same value in both the sensory neuron and the interneuron?

The resting membrane potential is typically around -70mV in both sensory neurons and interneurons due to the presence of ion channels that maintain this voltage by allowing specific ions to flow in and out of the cell. This stable membrane potential allows for rapid and efficient communication between different types of neurons in the nervous system.

Which part of the neuron can propagate an action potential?

The axon is the part of the neuron that can propagate an action potential. This process relies on the opening and closing of ion channels along the axon membrane to allow the action potential to travel from the cell body to the axon terminals.

What is a synapse in a simple reflex action?

A synapse in a simple reflex action is a junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted. In a reflex action, when a stimulus triggers a sensory neuron, it sends a signal across a synapse to a motor neuron, which then causes a rapid response from a muscle or gland.

What is the benefit of having nerve cells?

Nerve cells, or neurons, are crucial for transmitting and processing information in the nervous system. They allow for rapid communication within the body, enabling sensory perception, motor control, and cognitive processes. Nerve cells also play a key role in coordinating responses to internal and external stimuli, helping to maintain homeostasis and regulate bodily functions.

When are mirror neurons active?

Mirror neurons are active when an individual both performs an action and observes someone else performing the same action. They are believed to play a role in empathy, imitation, and understanding others' intentions. Mirror neurons are found in the brain's motor areas, particularly in the premotor cortex and inferior parietal lobule.

When a second EPSP arrives at a single synapse before the effect of the first have disappeared what occurs?

The two EPSPs summate, leading to a higher membrane potential change and increasing the likelihood of an action potential being generated in the postsynaptic neuron. This phenomenon is known as temporal summation.

Which ion causes neurotransmitter vesicles to fuse with the axon's membrane during the conduction of a nerve impulse from one neuron to the next?

Calcium ions are responsible for triggering the fusion of neurotransmitter vesicles with the axon's membrane during the conduction of a nerve impulse. The influx of calcium ions into the neuron's terminal triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

What is a process whereby one neuron communicates with another neuron?

When nerve impulses are triggered near the soma/cell body, an electrical current known as the ACTION POTENTIAL sweeps through the axon and into the axon terminal. When the action potential reaches the tips of the axon terminal, it causes the synaptic vesicles to move towards the membrane of the terminal buttons. The buttons then open up and release the neurotransmitters (drugs.) The neurotransmitter molecules cross over the synaptic gap and attach themselves unto the receptor sites of the other neuron. After accomplishing their work on the receptor sites, some of the neurotransmitter molecules are broken down into other chemicals in a process called Degradation. The rest of the neurotransmitter molecules are taken up by the vesicles for reuse in a process called Reuptake.

Are neurons are able to divide?

No, you're thinking of Neuroglia

Why node of ranvier is present on myelinated axon?

Nodes of ranvier are locations of bare cell membrane between segments of myelinated cell membrane. Ion channels responsible for repropagation of action potentials are concentrated at these nodes. Unmyelinated axons have ion channels all over their cell membranes since they do not have myelin segments.

Is it true that motor neurons pass messages from neuron to neuron?

Yes, an electrical signal is passed from the dendrites of 1 motor neuron, through it's cell body, through it's axon (the long tail looking feature of the neuron). It then travels through branches of the axon and forms synapses with other motor neurons, this is how the electrical signal is passed.

When a neuron responds to a particular neurotransmitter by opening gated ion channels the neurotransmitter is serving as which part of the signal pathway?

The neurotransmitter functions as the ligand that binds to the receptor on the neuron's membrane, causing a conformational change that opens the ion channels. This allows ions to flow into or out of the neuron, resulting in a change in its membrane potential and ultimately transmitting the signal.

What ability do neurons have that other cells don't?

Cells other than neurons undergo apoptosis and if neurons die they don't regenerate hencw their number reduces and even their injuries are difficult to treat and it can cause several neurological diseases unlike other cells .

What is a neuron and what are its structures?

A neuron is an excitable cell, which conveys an electric impulse when adequately stimulated. The structures are: the dendrites (inputs), the cell body (soma), the nucleus, the axon (the output, which can be thin and long up to a meter), with a Myelin sheath on the longer axons (made up of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system, or oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system, separated along the axon by the Nodes of Ranvier), axon terminal branches, ending with a terminal button which would form the beginning of a synapse when connecting to another neuron, or a motor end plate if connecting to a muscle cell.