Structure of Neurons
Structure of Neurons
Structure of Neurons
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cell body nucleus (with nucleolus); RER and transcription and translation to produce membrane proteins
mitochondria
dendron long, thin process(es) from cell body transmits impulses towards cell body in sensory neurones
dendrites similar, but smaller than dendrons provide large surface for synapses from many other neurones
axon long, thin process from cell body transmits impulses away from cell body
terminal swollen end of axon containing release neurotransmitter molecules from vesicles to carry
endings mitochondria and vesicles with impulse across synaptic cleft; reform neurotransmitter
molecules of neurotransmitter molecules
Myelin
The neurones shown in Figures 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 are myelinated. All motor
and sensory neurones are supported by a type of glial cell called the
Schwann cell. Unmyelinated neurones lie within ‘gutters’ formed by
columns of these cells. The whole length of the neurone is exposed to the
surrounding tissue fluid. As the nervous system develops, myelinating
Schwann cells grow around the neuronal processes (axons and dendrons)
of some neurones. This continues until there is layer upon layer of cell
membrane with tiny quantities of cytosol in between. The membrane is
rich in phospholipid with very few proteins. Myelin insulates the
neurone membrane from the tissue fluid as ions cannot diffuse through
this thick layer of phospholipid. Each Schwann cell covers about 1–3 mm
of the axon or dendron. Where two Schwann cells meet there is a gap
that allows tissue fluid to reach the surface of the neurone. These gaps
are the nodes of Ranvier.
Structure of the cell surface membrane Figure 6.1.3 A cross-section of the axon
of a myelinated neurone. You can see the
Conduction of nerve impulses relies on the movement of ions along layers of cell membrane that make up the
dendrons and axons. These ions do not travel very far as the resistance to myelin sheath.
their flow is high and impulses decay quickly. In order to ‘boost’ the
forward flow of ions, action potentials occur at intervals along the
neurone. An action potential is the net effect of ion flow across the
neurone membranes. In unmyelinated neurones they occur all along the
Summary questions
neurone. In myelinated neurones action potentials occur only at the 1 Make a large diagram of a a
nodes of Ranvier. motor neurone, and b a sensory
Cell surface membranes of axons and dendrons are just the same as other neurone. Label both diagrams
cells, except they have large numbers of ion channels. There are several and annotate with the functions
types, but four concern us: of each part you have labelled.
voltage-gated sodium ion channel proteins 2 Explain the differences between
voltage-gated potassium ion channel proteins the following pairs: central and
potassium leak channel proteins peripheral nervous systems,
cranial and spinal nerves,
sodium leak channel proteins.
myelinated and unmyelinated
In addition, there are sodium potassium pump proteins in these neurones, sensory and motor
membranes. neurones, axon and dendron.
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