HistologyLesson 5 of 6 in the course The Tissue Level of Organization

Nervous Tissue: Neuron Signaling and Neuroglial Support

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Neurons are excitable cells that communicate information using electrochemical signals. Their structure is suited to receiving signals and carrying them to other cells.

When a neuron receives sufficient stimulation, it generates an action potential, an electrochemical impulse that propagates along the axon toward its endpoint.

At the endpoint, the neuron communicates across a synapse. A synapse is the gap between two neurons or between a neuron and a target, such as a muscle or gland. The sending cell releases chemical messengers called neurotransmitters into this gap. If enough neurotransmitter reaches and stimulates the next neuron or target, it can trigger a response.

All flashcards

What are the main parts of a neuron, and what does each do?
The cell body contains the nucleus and most organelles; dendrites usually receive signals toward the cell body; and the axon carries signals away from the cell body toward a synapse or target.
What is an action potential?
An action potential is an electrochemical impulse generated when a neuron is sufficiently stimulated. It propagates along the axon toward the synapse.
What is a synapse?
A synapse is the gap between two neurons or between a neuron and a target such as a muscle or gland. Neurotransmitters carry the signal across it.
How do astrocytes support CNS function?
Astrocytes help regulate ion concentrations between cells, take up or break down some neurotransmitters, and contribute to forming the blood-brain barrier.
Which cells produce myelin in the CNS and PNS?
Oligodendrocytes produce myelin in the central nervous system; Schwann cells produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system.

Quiz questions

  1. A neuron has several dendrites and one prominent axon. Which structural type is it?Answer: Multipolar
  2. Which description fits a bipolar neuron?Answer: One dendrite and one axon, with the cell body between them.
  3. What is required for a neuron to generate an action potential?Answer: The neuron must receive sufficient stimulation.
  4. What is a role of microglia in nervous tissue?Answer: They help protect the nervous system against infection.
  5. Which structures make up the central nervous system?Answer: The brain and spinal cord.

Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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