Explain the nerve cell structure and function, Biology

Assignment Help:

Explain the Nerve Cell Structure and Function?

Before studying the organization of the nervous system, we will look at the relationship between structure and function of nerve and associated cells. The typical nerve cell or neuron has a cell body containing the nucleus, and an elongated extension called an axon that carries electrical signals called impulses away from the cell body. The axon is frayed at the end to form many synaptic terminals that transmit the nerve impulse to a target cell in a contact space called a synapse. The nerve impulse is carried across the synapse by certain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals are enclosed in synaptic vesicles that fuse with the presynaptic membrane and are released in response to a nerve impulse that reaches the axon terminal. Neurotransmitters bind to the postsynaptic membrane of the target cell, which can be a muscle, a gland, or the terminals of another neuron that takes over to propagate the nerve impulse. After the impulse is propagated, enzymes in the synaptic space break down the remaining neurotransmitter chemicals.

Surrounding the nerve cell body are short, branched extensions called dendrites, that bind neurotransmitters released by other neurons or by sensory receptors, cells associated with the five senses - touch, vision, hearing, taste, and smell. Some sensory receptors are actually specialized neurons.

Axons of some nerve cells are surrounded by a protective sheath of membranous material called myelin, produced by accessory cells called Schwann cells. Myelin gives bundled nerves their white appearance. Myelin is not continuous along the axon, but the sheath is interrupted at regular intervals called nodes of Ranvier, where the nerve is unmyelinated.

 

 


Related Discussions:- Explain the nerve cell structure and function

Structure of the intestines, Describe the structure of the intestines. How ...

Describe the structure of the intestines. How are they modified to carryout their functions? How does the human intestine compare to the fetal pig?

Can you explain process of ovulation, Q. What are the hormones that promote...

Q. What are the hormones that promote the release of the female gamete from the follicle and at which day of the menstrual cycle does this phenomenon happen? What is this event cal

Bovine leukemia, B ov i n e leukemia Bovine leukemia, also known as...

B ov i n e leukemia Bovine leukemia, also known as bovine lymphosarcoma or leucosis, is a lymphoproliferative neoplastic disease of bovines. The virus belongs to genus Delt

What are the three main types of viral hepatitis, Q. What are the three mai...

Q. What are the three main types of viral hepatitis? There are various types of viral hepatitis. The most vital epidemiologically are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Musculoskeletal system, MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM: Disease of  the skin  ...

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM: Disease of  the skin  and musculoskeletal  system occur commonly  in  early age group. There are  not many  statistics  to prove the exact frequency of

Prevention and control from escherichia coli, Q. Prevention and Control fro...

Q. Prevention and Control from escherichia coli? Prevention and Control: Involves avoiding contaminated food and water that have high coliform counts, avoiding unpasteurized ju

Medtronic hancock-biological valves, Medtronic Hancock (Standard Model) :  ...

Medtronic Hancock (Standard Model) :  These are gluteraldehyde preserved xenograft aortic valve, which are mounted. The modified orifice version (M-0) is one where the right

Abdomen - hypertension, The purpose of examining the abdomen should be for ...

The purpose of examining the abdomen should be for detection of renal artery bruit and abnormal kidney masses like kidney tumours and polycystic kidneys. Aortic abdominal aneurysms

Define apoptosis, Question Write a short note on the following- 1 Ph...

Question Write a short note on the following- 1 Phases of fertilization 2 Blastulation 3 Germ layer derivatives 4 Gap genes 5 Discuss any 5 potentials and limita

Calculate the number molecules of glucose, During a routine annual physical...

During a routine annual physical, a patient was checked to determine the amount of glucose in the blood. After the assay, It was found that the glucose that the glucose concentrati

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd