Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
1
The Nervous System and the Brain
Higher Human Biology Subtopic 19 Nerve Cells and Neural Pathways
2
Learning Intentions To describe the structure and function of neurons
To explain the function of the myelin sheath To state the function of glial cells
3
Neurones Neurones provide the body with rapid communication and control They conduct nerve impulses from on one part of the body to another
4
Types of Neurone SENSORY NEURONES MOTOR NEURONES
From sense organs to CNS MOTOR NEURONES From CNS to effectors ASSOCIATION / RELAY / INTER NEURONES From sensory neurones to motor neurones. Are in CNS
5
SENSORY NEURONE DIRECTION OF IMPULSE
6
MOTOR NEURONE DIRECTION OF IMPULSE
7
ASSOCIATION NEURONE
8
Basic Neurone Structure
Each neuron consists of a : Cell body Axon Dendrites (extensions of the cytoplasm)
9
Cell body contains cytoplasm and all major cell organelles
controls cell metabolism has ribosome clusters for production of various proteins association neurone cell bodies are in the CNS
10
Dendrites - nerve fibre extensions sensory dendrites - one long fibre
- transmit impulses from receptors to the cell body. - association and motor dendrites - many short fibres - collect impulses from other neurones - pass signal to the cell body
11
Basic neurone structure
Axon single nerve fibre carries impulses away from the cell body to the next neurone (if sensory/association) carries impulse to effector (if motor) ends with many branches to maximising contacts allowing successful transmission of an impulse
12
Basic neurone structure
Nerve impulses always travel in the following direction…. DENDRITES CELL BODY AXON
13
Neurones dendrites axon Cell body motor sensory relay
Dendrites are nerve fibres which receive nerve impulses and pass them towards a cell body The cell body of a neurone contains the nucleus and most of the cytoplasm. It is the control centre of the cells metabolism and contains ribosomes which are needed for production of enzymes for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Axon a single fibre which carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.axon very long up to a metre. Dendrites cell body axon Cell body sensory relay
15
Myelin sheath sheath of fatty material that insulates an axon
contains small gaps called nodes it increases the speed of transmission
16
Myelination…….. ……….is the development of myelin around the axon fibres. continues into adolescence hypothalamus not fully myelinated until about 6 months – thermostat not fully operative lower body spinal cord not fully myelinated until about 2 years - infant does not have full control over their lower body.
17
Diseases multiple sclerosis and poliomyelitis
myelin sheath is damaged or destroyed results in loss of muscular coordination
18
They provide physical support to neurons but DON’T transmit impulses.
Glial Cells They provide physical support to neurons but DON’T transmit impulses.
19
Functions of Glial Cells
form the myelin sheath around axons provide nutrients to neurons, maintain their extracellular environment, and provide structural support scavenge pathogens and dead cells by phagocytosis
20
Learning Intentions To describe the structure and function of neurons
To explain the function of the myelin sheath To state the function of glial cells
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.