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

Wbcs types, mode of action of wbcs types

mode of action of wbcs types

Analysis of genomic equivalence of nuclei, Analysis of Genomic Equivalence ...

Analysis of Genomic Equivalence of Nuclei Towards the ending of 19th century August Weismann had proposed that during cleavage the genetic determinants (later shown to be chro

What are the main risk factors for hypertension, Q. What are the main risk ...

Q. What are the main risk factors for hypertension? The major risks factors for hypertension are tobacco smoking, stress, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and alcoholism.

Define the types of canned foods, Define the Types of Canned Foods? 1....

Define the Types of Canned Foods? 1. Some foods form convection currents when being heated inside a can and so are heated faster since self-mixing - as foods become more visco

Determine about the scales developed by golden, Determine about the scales ...

Determine about the scales developed by golden Several other scales have been developed by Golden and various collaborators, all of which are based on different ways of scoring

Supply of animals in lab, Supply of Animals: Lab animals must be obtained ...

Supply of Animals: Lab animals must be obtained from accredited dealers and by accredited dealers, we mean suppliers in the business of supplying animals for lab use, and not from

Magnitude of healthcare expenditure, Normal 0 false false f...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Explain the process of ige-mediated allergic response, Explain the Process ...

Explain the Process of IgE-Mediated Allergic Response? Basically, there are three steps involved with the IgE-mediated allergic response These include: Step 1: Sensitizat

Define the plasma membrane and its function, Similar to all animal cells, p...

Similar to all animal cells, protozoans are covered by a plasma membrane which surrounds cytoplasm of the cell, protozoan's integument or skin. Like all membranes, it's permeable;

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