Unit 3 - 1.3 - Neural Pathways

Question 1

Name the 3 types of Neural Pathways

Answer 1

• Converging
• Diverging
• Reverberating

Question 2

Describe a Converging neural pathway

Answer 2

• Impulses come from several places and meet together at one neuron. The total of several weak impulses received at one common neuron increases the impulse (SUMMATION).
• This increased effect causes the impulse to be passed on

EXAMPLE: Reading in dim light

Question 3

Describe a Diverging neural pathway

Answer 3

• An impulse that is generated from a single neuron can be passed to several more, affecting more than one destination at a time.

EXAMPLES: Impulse is passed to several finger muscles at once, allowing for coordination and fine motor movement of the fingers for writing

Question 4

Describe a Reverberating neural pathway

Answer 4

• Neurons later in the pathway link with neurons earlier in the pathway
• Sending the impulses back through the pathway continuosly brings about the repeated stimulation of the pathway

EXAMPLE: breathing