Neuron- Intro

The Neuron

Navigate through the parts of the neuron, following the order in which communication travels. Label the parts AND functions of the neuron in your packet.

Synapse

Synapse

The tiny, fluid-filled gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another.

Dendrite of receiving neuron

Electrical communication cannot cross this gap, so communication is turned chemical thanks to neurotransmitters. Those neurotransmitters activate receptor cites on the receiving neuron, and if there is enough of a stimulus, the neural impulse will be created in this neuron.

Axon

The extension of a neuron through which neural impulses are sent.

Axon

The neuron’s purpose is to move information from point A to point B, and the axon creates distance between these points. Axons of neurons in the brain may be very short because information doesn’t have to travel far between the cells. But in some neurons in the leg, axons extend more than 3 feet, making these giant redwoods of the nervous system the longest cells in your body!

Soma

The cell body, which maintains the health of the neuron.

Soma

The soma houses and protects the nucleus.

Myelin Sheath

The insulating layer around many axons that increases the speed of conduction of nerve impulses.

Myelin Sheath

Not all axons have these, but longer axons are covered by a myelin sheath. The myelin sheath protects the axon and speeds up the transmission of information along the axon itself.

Neurotransmitters

A chemical messenger that travels across the synapse from one neuron to the next and influences whether a neuron will generate an action potential.

When a neural impulse works its way to the end of a neuron, it causes the release of neurotransmitters from the axon terminals. Neurotransmitters travel across the gap between two neurons to carry the information from one neuron to the next. It is the neurotransmitter that influences whether the next neuron will or will not generate another neural impulse.

Axon Terminals

The endpoint of a neuron where neurotransmitters are stored.

Axon Terminals(zoomed in)

Finally, the information reaches the axon terminals, the end point of a neuron where neurotransmitters are stored. Axon terminals are the points of departure for information as it makes its way to the dendrites of the next neurons in the sequence.

Axon Terminals

Nucleus

The inner area of a cell that houses chromosomes and genes.

The nucleus keeps the cell healthy and functioning properly. It's also responsible for deciding if communication it recieves continues on through the neuron.

Nucleus

Dendrites

Dendrites

The branching extensions of a neuron that receive information and conduct impulses toward the cell body (soma).

The dendrites are the first to receive communication from other neurons.