Chapter 7, Problem 1aCP

Draw a neuron, label its parts, and describe the functions of these parts.

Summary Introduction

To review:

The different parts of a neuron and the function of each part.

Introduction:

Neurons are the structural and functional units of the nervous system that respond to different kinds of stimuli. Neurons are present throughout the body to conduct nerve impulses and to release neurotransmitters for various functions in the body.

Explanation of Solution

The three basic parts of a neuron are cell body, axon, and dendrite. The cell body is the region which contains nucleus and this region is called the nutritional center as the macromolecules are synthesized. Axons and dendrites are extensions of the cell body. Dendrites is a branched process which extends from the cytoplasm of the cell body and helps transmit electrochemical impulses into the cell body.

The nerve fiber or an axon is the extended portion of the cell body, which conducts action potential to transmit information to the effector organs. There are myelinated and unmyelinated axons based on the presence or absence of myelin sheath around it, respectively. The conduction of action potential through unmyelinated axon is not effective as the charges leak out of the axon membrane. The myelinated axon helps conduct action potential because of the thick myelin sheath, which protects charge leakage.