Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 12 - Section 12.2 - Properties of Neurons - Before You Go On - Page 441: 4

Answer

1. **Soma (Cell Body):** Draw a round or oval shape in the center of your sketch and label it "Soma" or "Cell Body." This represents the main body of the neuron. 2. **Dendrites:** Extend several branches (typically shorter and more numerous than the axon) from the soma, and label them as "Dendrites." Dendrites are the receiving structures that receive signals from other neurons. 3. **Axon:** Draw a long, slender projection extending from the soma, typically one, and label it as "Axon." The axon is responsible for transmitting electrical signals (action potentials) away from the cell body. 4. **Terminal Arborization:** At the end of the axon, create a branched structure and label it as "Terminal Arborization" or "Axon Terminals." These branches are where the neuron communicates with other neurons or cells. 5. **Synaptic Knobs:** At the tips of the axon terminals, draw small, rounded structures and label them as "Synaptic Knobs" or "Axon Terminals." These structures are responsible for transmitting signals to the next neuron or target cell at synapses. 6. **Myelin Sheath:** Along the axon, create periodic, cylindrical segments and label them as "Myelin Sheath." Myelin sheath is a fatty insulating layer that wraps around the axon, helping to speed up the transmission of electrical signals. 7. **Nodes of Ranvier:** In between the myelin sheath segments, draw small gaps and label them as "Nodes of Ranvier." Nodes of Ranvier are critical for the rapid conduction of action potentials in myelinated axons. Remember that the appearance of neurons can vary, and this is a simplified representation. Multipolar neurons have multiple dendrites and a single axon, and they are commonly found in the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

Work Step by Step

1. **Soma (Cell Body):** Draw a round or oval shape in the center of your sketch and label it "Soma" or "Cell Body." This represents the main body of the neuron. 2. **Dendrites:** Extend several branches (typically shorter and more numerous than the axon) from the soma, and label them as "Dendrites." Dendrites are the receiving structures that receive signals from other neurons. 3. **Axon:** Draw a long, slender projection extending from the soma, typically one, and label it as "Axon." The axon is responsible for transmitting electrical signals (action potentials) away from the cell body. 4. **Terminal Arborization:** At the end of the axon, create a branched structure and label it as "Terminal Arborization" or "Axon Terminals." These branches are where the neuron communicates with other neurons or cells. 5. **Synaptic Knobs:** At the tips of the axon terminals, draw small, rounded structures and label them as "Synaptic Knobs" or "Axon Terminals." These structures are responsible for transmitting signals to the next neuron or target cell at synapses. 6. **Myelin Sheath:** Along the axon, create periodic, cylindrical segments and label them as "Myelin Sheath." Myelin sheath is a fatty insulating layer that wraps around the axon, helping to speed up the transmission of electrical signals. 7. **Nodes of Ranvier:** In between the myelin sheath segments, draw small gaps and label them as "Nodes of Ranvier." Nodes of Ranvier are critical for the rapid conduction of action potentials in myelinated axons. Remember that the appearance of neurons can vary, and this is a simplified representation. Multipolar neurons have multiple dendrites and a single axon, and they are commonly found in the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
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