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

The km for an enzyme is equal to kcat, The Km for an enzyme A. is equal ...

The Km for an enzyme A. is equal to kcat, measured at low substrate concentration. B. is the substrate concentration that gives a velocity that is half the maximum velocity.

Leucosolenia, characteristics of leucosolenia?

characteristics of leucosolenia?

Which functional groups ionization stabilized by resonance, In which of the...

In which of the following functional groups ionization is stabilized by resonance? Select one: a. Carboxyl b. Hydroxyl c. Amine d. Aldehyde e. All of the above

Agro industrial-complete feed blocks, Complete feed blocks For manufac...

Complete feed blocks For manufacturing the pellets, processes such as grinding, mixing, steaming and pressing and some times extruding, are applied using special and expensive

Explain the methods of entrainment to food and survival, Methods of entrain...

Methods of entrainment to food and survival advantages Because of weak zeitgeber of light (during winter and summer months where there is very little change in photoperio

The regulation mechanism of glycogenolysis, The  regulation mechanism invo...

The  regulation mechanism involves: a)  The hormones catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine) and glucagon cause the increase in CAMP levels in cells. This CAMP activates p

Organism to present a large intestinal surface, Q. After digestion the next...

Q. After digestion the next step is absorption done by cells of the mucous membrane of the intestine. For this task a large absorption surface is an advantage. How is it possible i

Explain the bioavailability of vitamin e, Explain the Bioavailability of Vi...

Explain the Bioavailability of Vitamin E? For dietary purposes, vitamin E activity is expressed as a-tocopherol equivalents (a-TEs). One α-TE is the activity of l mg α-tocophe

Prevention strategy for diverticular disease, Q. Prevention strategy for di...

Q. Prevention strategy for diverticular disease? The prevention strategy for the disease involves the following: • Eat a high-fiber diet (more than 15 g/day of crude fiber)

How muscle contraction intensely increased, To increase the strength of the...

To increase the strength of the muscle work is the muscle contraction intensely increased? An increase in the strength of the muscle work is not achieved by enhance in the inte

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