- Neuron structure & function
IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE NEURON:
-dendrites
-axon
-cell body
DENDRITES:
-look like leafless branches of a tree
-antennas receiving electrical communication
-transmit information to the cell body
-the message will be passed to the axon
AXON:
-is a tube-like structure that carries info away from the cell body
-axons are covered by myelin sheath, a white fatty encasing.
- How an action potential moves along the neuron fiber
Synapse structure & function:
-natural impulse that carries information along the axon of a neuron
-generated when positively charged ions move in and out through channels in the axons membrane
- How a signal is sent from axon of sending neuron to dendrite of receiving neuron
When the action potential reaches the end of the sending
Axon, it reaches the axon terminal buttons and transfers into the receiving neuron at the synapse, the synapse includes the end of the dendrite branches where the energy is delivered.
- How the receiving neuron “determines” whether or not to send its own action potential
The receiving neuron either gives a excitatory or inhibitory reaction depending on which on reaction is more plentiful. It is kind of like an on and off switch.
This is a timed post – you must finish it during class today.