BLG 144 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Schwann Cell, Efferent Nerve Fiber, Axon Hillock
6 Nov 2013
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Document Summary
Communicate information using a combination of electrical and chemical signals. Most are electrically excitable electrical signals can be generated across the plasma membrane and transmitted along the length of the cells without loss of signal strength, as a result of the movement of ions. Neurons + glial cells = supporting cells. Collects and processes information, analyzes it, and generates output to control the animal"s responses from the simplest to the most complex. Structure, function, and the organization of the neuron. Soma/cell body: responsible for the metabolic maintenance of the cell. Most neurons possess multiple dendrites and a single axon. Dendrites: branched; receivers that gather signals from other neurons and carry them toward the soma. Axons/nerve fibers: specialized nerve extensions of the neuron that conduct signals away from the soma. During the embryonic development of each neuron, the dendrites and the axon grow outward from the soma.
