NERVOUS SYSTEM

 

Neurons

 

1. Read "Neuron Structure" p. 318. Identify the following parts of a motor neuron from fig. 17.2 and describe these parts below:

 

a. cell body

 

b. dendrite

 

c. axon

 

d. node of Ranvier

 

e. myelin sheath

 

f. synaptic endings

 

 

2. There are three types of neurons found in the nervous system. It is important to understand their function, the location, and direction of impulse. Fill in the chart below.

 

Type of Neuron

Structure

Direction of Impulse

Function

sensory neuron

 

 

 

interneuron

 

 

 

motor neuron

 

 

 

 

3. Define the term neuron.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impulse Generation   (pp. 320 - 321)

 

1. Define the following terms:

 

a. impulse

 

b. resting potential

 

c. action potential

 

 

2. What is meant when we say that a neuron has:

 

a. a resting potential

 

b. an action potential

 

 

3. A neuron has a resting potential. Referring to the distribution of ions, explain why the neuron is positive on the outside and negative on the inside.

 

 

4. What maintains the distribution of ions outside and inside the neuron?

 

 

5. A neuron is having an action potential. What events occur during the action potential?

 

 

6. Explain why the neuron becomes more positive on the inside during an action potential.

 

 

7. Explain what happens when a neuron is:

a. depolarized

 

b. polarized

 

 

8. Explain how a nerve impulse is transmitted along a neuron using the term resting potential and action potential.

 

 

 

9. Explain why neurons carry an impulse (action potential) in only one direction.

 

 

10. Explain why a myelinated neuron transmits impulses faster than a nonmylinated neuron.

 

 

11. Define the following terms:

 

a. recovery period

 

 

b. "all or none response"

 

 

Synapse (pp. 322 - 323)

 

1. Using fig. 25.9, and the text on pages 306-307, state the function of the listed components of a synapse:

a. axon

 

b. synaptic ending

 

c. presynaptic membrane

 

d. synaptic vesicles

 

e. synaptic cleft

 

f. neurotransmitter substances

 

g. postsynaptic membrane

 

h. dendrite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Explain how a nerve impulse crosses a synapse. Use the following headings to list your main points.

 

a. pathway the impulse takes to get to the end of the neuron

 

b. events that occur when impulse reaches the synaptic ending

 

c. role of the calcium ions

 

d. neurotransmitters-their action and role

 

e. role of the cleft

 

f. excitation of postsynaptic membrane

 

g. short existence of neurotransmitters in the synapse

 

h. acetylcholine

 

 

Reflex Arc (pp. 335)

 

1. Describe the function of a reflex arc.

 

2. Identify the labeled parts of a reflex arc on fig. 17.16 p. 335 and state the function of each.

 

a. receptor

 

b. sensory neuron

 

c. interneuron

 

d. motor neuron

 

e. effector organ

 

 

3. Trace the pathway through a reflex arc starting with the stimulation of a skin receptor and ending at the effector organ. List the events a, b, c, ... etc.

 

 

 

Sample Exam Questions

 

1. Describe the events that occur during a synapse transmission.

 

2. Name the main components of a reflex arc and describe the passage of an impulse through this arc.

 

3. Explain how an impulse passes along a motor neuron.

 

4. Compare and contrast an action potential with a resting potential.