Neuron Basics
What is the fundamental structural and functional unit of the nervous system?
The Neuron
This part of the neuron contains the nucleus.
Soma
True or False: The axon terminal is where messages are sent to other neurons.
True
These neurons detect stimuli from the environment such as light, sound, and touch.
A. Interneurons
B. Motor neurons
C. Sensory neurons
D. Synapses
C. Sensory Neurons
This is the place where messages are sent and received between neurons.
A. Synapse
B. Interneuron
C. Motor neuron
D. Soma
A. Synapse
Neurons are specialized cells that can receive, process, and transmit what?
Information
These structures receive signals from other neurons and transmit electrical signals toward the soma.
Dendrites
Which part receives signals from other neurons?
A. Nucleus
B. Dendrites
C. Soma
D. Myelin sheath
B. Dendrites
These neurons control muscles and other organs of the body.
A. Sensory neurons
B. Interneurons
C. Chemical signals
D. Motor neurons
D. Motor neurons
True or False: A reflex arc enables rapid, involuntary responses without conscious brain input.
True
True/false: Neurons do not divide after maturation.
Electrical signals travel along this long part of the neuron toward the axon terminals.
Axon.
In which part of the neuron do electrical signals travel toward the axon terminals?
A. Axon
B. Dendrites
C. Nucleus
D. Axon terminal
A. Axon
Which type of neuron carries impulses toward the central nervous system?
Sensory/afferent neurons
You touch something extremely hot. Which type of neuron carries the information from the stimulus toward the spinal cord?
A sensory/afferent neuron
These specialized cells are described as being highly excitable.
Neurons
This structure surrounds the axon, provides insulation, and helps information travel faster.
Myelin sheath.
True or False: The myelin sheath is a layer outside the soma that insulates it and helps it send information faster.
False.
Which type of neuron carries commands from the central nervous system to muscles and glands?
motor/efferent neurons
In a reflex arc, which neuron relays the signal between the sensory neuron and motor neuron?
An interneuron
True or False: Interneurons comprise over 50% of all human neurons.
False
Name three structures found in the anatomy of a neuron.
Any three of: dendrites, soma, nucleus, axon hillock, axon, myelin sheath, node of Ranvier, axon terminals, synaptic gap.
Put these parts in the correct order for a signal traveling through a neuron:
Axon → Dendrites → Axon terminals → Soma
Dendrites → Soma → Axon → Axon terminals
Which type of neuron processes information within the brain and spinal cord and connects sensory and motor pathways?
interneuron
Put the following reflex pathway in the correct order:
Motor neuron → Sensory neuron → Muscle → Receptor → Interneuron
Receptor → Sensory neuron → Interneuron → Motor neuron → Muscle