Match the anatomical terms given in Column B with the appropriate descriptions of functions in Column A. Column A 1. Releases neurotransmitters 2. Conducts local electrical currents toward the cell body 3. Increases the speed of impulse transmission 4. Location of the nucleus 5. Generally conducts impulses away from the cell body Column B A. Axon B. Axon terminal C. Dendrite D. Myelin sheath E. Neuron cell bod
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here’s the correct matching of the anatomical terms with their functions:
- Releases neurotransmitters → B. Axon terminal
- Conducts local electrical currents toward the cell body → C. Dendrite
- Increases the speed of impulse transmission → D. Myelin sheath
- Location of the nucleus → E. Neuron cell body
- Generally conducts impulses away from the cell body → A. Axon
Now, let’s break this down.
Neurons are the basic functional units of the nervous system. They are specialized to transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the body. Each part of the neuron contributes to this process with a distinct role.
The axon terminal is located at the end of the axon and is responsible for releasing neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers cross synapses to communicate with other neurons, muscles, or glands. This release is triggered when an action potential reaches the terminal.
Dendrites are short, branching extensions that receive electrical signals from surrounding neurons. These signals are graded potentials that travel toward the cell body. The dendritic structure provides a large surface area to gather information from multiple sources.
The myelin sheath is a fatty insulating layer that wraps around many axons. It acts as an electrical insulator, allowing impulses to travel much faster along the axon. This increased speed is achieved through saltatory conduction, where the impulse jumps between nodes of Ranvier along the axon.
The neuron cell body, or soma, contains the nucleus, which houses genetic material. It is the metabolic center of the neuron and integrates incoming signals to determine whether an action potential will be generated.
The axon itself is a long fiber that conducts action potentials away from the cell body toward the axon terminals. It can vary in length, depending on the neuron’s function and location.
Understanding these components helps clarify how neural communication occurs so efficiently across the nervous system.
