Question 1

What are the three main parts of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

The main parts are the cell body, dendrites and axon. The cell body contains the nucleus and cytoplasm, dendrites receive information, and the axon carries the resulting impulse away from the cell body.

Question 2

What is the difference between dendrites and an axon?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites receive information and carry the resulting impulse toward the cell body. The axon usually carries the impulse in the opposite direction, away from the cell body toward an axon terminal.

Question 3

How long can an axon be?

Accepted Answer

Axon length varies greatly among neurons. Some axons can extend up to about one metre, while many are much shorter.

Question 4

What is a synapse?

Accepted Answer

A synapse is the functional junction between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. The signal is transmitted across this junction rather than through direct cytoplasmic continuity.

Question 5

What is a nerve, and what makes up the CNS and PNS?

Accepted Answer

A nerve is a bundle of axons that are processes of nerve cells. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes neural tissue outside the brain and spinal cord.

Neuron Structure Lab — Cell Body, Axon and Synapse in 3D

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Practice