Spanish physiologist who came up with the neuron doctrine and identified the neurons as individual units. Discovered synapses, neural circuits and receptors

Ramon Y Cajal

When a signal reaches the synapse at end of an axon it releases a chemical. The neurotransmitter makes it possible for signals to travel across the gap (synapse). 

Neurotransmitter

A signal travels down the long projection of a nerve cell and reaches the end. To communicate with the next nerve cell, the signal must cross a small gap. What is the most significant functional implication of this gap?

A small gap between the end of a neuron's axon and the dendrites (or cell body) of another neuron.

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University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

(usually) Long processes that send signals to other neurons. The transmitters of the neuron.

Axons (nerve fibers)

Structures that branch out from the cell body. They receive signals from other cells. The receptors of the neuron.

Dendrites

The (metabolic) center of a neuron. It is in charge of keeping the cell alive

Cell body

Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience. Nelson Education.


Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Synapse

A measure of charge in the axon (nerve fiber) when there is no signal in the neuron. Its charge is about -70mV, which jumps if the neuron is stimulated (in which case the charge is referred to as the action potential).

Resting potential

After a neuron's receptor is stimulated, a nerve impulse is released and the resting potential increases to the action potential, before going back down to the resting potential.

Nerve impulse

A the peak measure of charge in the axon when there is a signal in the neuron. Its charge is about +40mV and soon goes back to -70mV after the signal resides.

Action potential

A patient is diagnosed with a disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and poor coordination. Microscopic analysis of their nerve cells reveals a breakdown of the long, slender projections that carry signals away from the main cell body to other cells. Based on this information, identify the specific part of the nerve cell that is damaged and explain how its impairment leads to the patient's symptoms.

Neuronal Signal Transmission Failure

A patient is diagnosed with a disorder that specifically damages the long, slender projections extending from their nerve cells. This damage significantly slows down the electrical messages traveling *away* from the main cell body towards other cells, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness. Based on this information, identify the specific part of the nerve cell that is affected and explain its primary function that is being compromised.

Breakdown in Neural Communication

A researcher is studying a neurodegenerative disease. They observe that affected neurons are unable to synthesize essential proteins and maintain their basic metabolic processes, leading to their rapid deterioration and death. Based on these findings, which primary component of the neuron is most likely the site of the dysfunction? Explain your reasoning.

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