10.2.5

Neuron Structure

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Types of Neurone

Neurones are cells that transmit information from receptors to effectors. There are three main types of neurones:

Sensory neurones

Sensory neurones

  • Sensory neurones carry nervous impulses from receptors (e.g. pressure receptors) into the Central Nervous Systems (CNS).
Motor neurones

Motor neurones

  • Motor neurones carry impulses from the CNS to effector organs (e.g. muscles or glands).
Relay neurones

Relay neurones

  • Relay neurones are intermediate neurones.
  • Relay neurones receive impulses from a sensory neurone and relay them to motor neurones.

Structure of Neurones

Neurones transmit information from receptors to effectors. The structure of neurones is important in ensuring this information is transmitted correctly and efficiently.

Basic structure

Basic structure

  • Neurones can be myelinated or non-myelinated but all neurones have the following basic structures:
    • Dendrites - carries nervous impulses towards a cell body.
    • Axons - carries nervous impulses away from the cell body.
    • Cell body - where the nucleus is normally located.
Myelinated motor neurones

Myelinated motor neurones

  • Motor neurones in vertebrates are usually myelinated.
  • Schwann cells are wrapped around the axon of the neurone. These cells form the myelin sheath.
  • Gaps between adjacent Schwann cells are called nodes of Ranvier.
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1

Unity & Diversity - Molecules

1.1

Water

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2

Unity & Diversity - Cells

2.1

The Origin of Cells

2.1.1Origins - Endosymbiosis
2.2

Introduction to Cells

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Ultrastructure of Cells

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Cell Division

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2.5

Structure of DNA & RNA

2.5.1DNA & RNA
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DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation

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2.7

Cell Respiration

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2.8

Photosynthesis

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Viruses

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3

Unity & Diversity - Organisms

3.1

Diversity of Organisms

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3.2

Evidence for Evolution

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Natural Selection

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Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems

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4.3

Evolution & Speciation

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Conservation of Biodiversity

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Form & Function - Molecules

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Carbohydrates & Lipids

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Proteins

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Form & Function - Cells

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Membranes & Membrane Transport

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Form & Function - Organisms

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Gas Exchange

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Transport

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8

Form & Function - Ecosystems

8.1

Species, Communities & Ecosytems

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Energy Flow

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8.3

Carbon Cycle

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Climate Change

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Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules

9.1

Enzymes

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9.2

Metabolism

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9.3

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Photosynthesis

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Interaction & Interdependence - Cells

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Chemical Signalling

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10.2

Neural Signalling

10.2.1Medical Application10.2.2Speed of Transmission10.2.3Synapses10.2.4End of Topic Test - Nervous Comm&Coord10.2.5Neuron Structure10.2.6Types of Synapse10.2.7End of Topic Test - Neurones & Action Potentials10.2.8Transmission of an Impulse10.2.9End of Topic Test - Synapses
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Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms

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Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems

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Continuity & Change - Molecules

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Continuity & Change - Organisms

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Continuity & Change - Ecosystems

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Practice questions on Neuron Structure

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  1. 1
    Where do motor neurones carry impulses?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Which of these are NOT a feature of neurones?Multiple choice
  3. 3
    Which of the following statements about neurones are true?True / false
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End of Topic Test - Nervous Comm&Coord

Types of Synapse