What are neurons BBC Bitesize?

Nerve cells are called neurons . They are adapted to carry electrical impulses from one place to another. A bundle of neurons is called a nerve . a long fibre (axon ) so they can carry messages up and down the body over long distances.

What are the 3 neurons BBC Bitesize?

There are three main types of neuron: sensory, motor and relay.

What is the structure of a nerve cell BBC Bitesize?

Nerve cells are also called neurones. They are adapted to carry electrical impulses from one place to another: they have a long fibre (axon) which is insulated by a fatty sheath. they have tiny branches (dendrons) which branch further as dendrites at each end.

How is information passed along a neuron BBC Bitesize?

The neurons are separated by narrow gaps called synapses . When an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron chemicals are released from it. The chemicals diffuse across the synapse and trigger an electrical impulse in the next neuron in the circuit.

What is a neurotransmitter BBC Bitesize?

They are the cells in the brain that transmit and receive signals to enable processes such as thought. These signals are transmitted across junctions called synapses by neurotransmitters. Human Biology.

What are neurons GCSE?

A neurone is a specialised cell that is adapted to pass electrical impulses. Each neurone has a small diameter so many can fit into one nerve. There are 3 types of neurones. 1. Sensory – carry signals from sense organs (receptors) to the brain (CNS: Central Nervous System)

What is myelination BBC Bitesize?

The axon is insulated by a fatty (myelin ) sheath. The fatty sheath increases the speed of the nerve impulses along the neuron. Myelination is the process of myelin developing around the axon fibres. It continues from birth to adolescence.

How do neurotransmitters work BBC Bitesize?

An electrical nerve impulse travels along the axon of the first neuron (presynaptic neuron). When the nerve impulse reaches the dendrites at the end of the axon, chemical messengers called neurotransmitters are released. These chemicals diffuse across the synaptic cleft.

What is the spinal cord BBC Bitesize?

Your spinal cord is a glistening white bundle of nerves, which runs from your brain down a canal in your backbone. It’s roughly 40cm long and about as wide as your thumb for most of its length. Like your brain, your spinal cord is part of your central nervous system.

What is structure of neuron?

Neurons vary in size, shape, and structure depending on their role and location. However, nearly all neurons have three essential parts: a cell body, an axon, and dendrites.

What is nervous system with diagram?

Nervous system

Definition A network of neurons that sends, receives and modulates neural impulses between different body parts.
Divisions Central nervous system Peripheral nervous system
Central nervous system Brain and spinal cord

What is the function of the myelin sheath BBC Bitesize?

The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that surrounds the axon. The sheath acts as an insulator and speeds up nerve impulses. The branched ends of the axon and the smaller branches coming from the cell body allow the neurone to make connections with many other neurones.

What is a bundle of neurones called?

A bundle of neurones is called a nerve. Sensory neurones carry electrical signals – nerve impulses – towards the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain). The signal starts in a receptor which detects a change.

What is the function of a neurone?

A neurone’s function is to transmit electrical impulses across the nervous system quickly. The cell body contains the cytoplasm and nucleus (the control centre of the cell).

How do neurones connect to each other?

Neurones do not connect physically with one another. Where neurones meet, there is a small gap called a synapse. an electrical impulse travels along the first neurone.

What is the function of the tiny branches of a neuron?

Tiny branches (dendrons) which branch further as dendrites at each end. These receive incoming impulses from other neurones. Receptor cells detect a change in the environment (a stimulus) and start electrical signals along neurons.