What is a neuron?
A nerve cell; the basic building block of a nervous system.
What are the three basic tasks performed by neurons?
- Receive information in the form of chemical transmissions
- Carry information as an electrochemical pulse
- Communicate information to the next neuron
What is a dendrite?
The branching extensions of a neuron that receive information and conduct impulses toward the cell body.
What is the function of the axon?
The extension of a neuron through which neural impulses are transmitted.
What is the role of the myelin sheath?
Protects the axon and speeds up the transmission of information.
What is an axon terminal?
The endpoint of a neuron where neurotransmitters are released.
Fill in the blank: Neurons are made of ______ which receive information and pass it along to the cell body.
[dendrites]
Fill in the blank: The axon carries information to the ______, which release neurotransmitters into the synapse.
[axon terminals]
True or False: Every behavior, thought, and emotion depends on the neuron’s ability to process information.
True
