Neuronal Communication

Question 1

What features are common to all sensory receptors?

Answer 1

Act as energy transducers which establish a generator potential

Respond to specific stimuli

Question 2

What’s the structure of a Pacinian Corpuscle

Answer 2

End of sensory neurone found in the centre surrounded by layers of connective tissue- each separated by a layer of gel

Have stretch mediated Na+ channels on the plasma membrane

Capillary runs along base layer of tissue

Question 3

What stimulus does Pacinian corpuscle respond to and how

Answer 3

1. Pressure deforms the membrane causing stretch mediated Na+ ion channels to open
2. If influx of Sodium ions raises membrane to threshold potent, a generator potential is produced
3. Action potential moves along sensory neurones

Question 4

What are features of all neurones

Answer 4

Cell body- contains organelles and high proportion of RER

Dendrons- Branch into dendrites which carry impulses towards the cell body

Axon- Long, unbranded fibres carry nerve impulses away from cell body