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6.5 Neurons & Synapses

This document summarizes the structure and function of neurons and synapses in the nervous system. It discusses how neurons transmit electrical signals via action potentials propagated along axons. At synapses, neurotransmitters are released by the presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron or effector cell, generating signals that may activate it. The document also briefly explains myelination, which enables faster nerve impulse transmission, and how neonicotinoid pesticides can irreversibly bind acetylcholine receptors, disrupting insect nervous systems.

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Naomi Boesono
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139 views1 page

6.5 Neurons & Synapses

This document summarizes the structure and function of neurons and synapses in the nervous system. It discusses how neurons transmit electrical signals via action potentials propagated along axons. At synapses, neurotransmitters are released by the presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron or effector cell, generating signals that may activate it. The document also briefly explains myelination, which enables faster nerve impulse transmission, and how neonicotinoid pesticides can irreversibly bind acetylcholine receptors, disrupting insect nervous systems.

Uploaded by

Naomi Boesono
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topic 6.

5: nEuROnS & SynAPSES


Nervous System Structure of a Motor Neuron

The nervous system consists of two main divisions: Soma


Dendrite
•  Central nervous system (CNS) = brain and spinal cord (cell body) Axon terminal
•  Peripheral nervous system (PNS) = peripheral nerves
Axon
The nervous system is composed of specialised cells called
neurons that function to transmit electrical signals

The CNS coordinates sensory & motor signals from the PNS Myelin
sheath
•  Sensory neurons send signals to the CNS (afferent pathway)
•  Motor neurons send signals from the CNS (efferent pathway)
•  Relay neurons (interneurons) send signals within the CNS Direction electrical impulse travels

Membrane Potentials Myelination

Neurons have a difference in charge across their membranes Nerve impulses are action potentials propagated via axons
due to the distribution of positively-charged ions (Na+ / K+) •  Action potentials are ‘all or none’ and are only propagated
if a certain threshold potential is reached (~ -55mV)
Electrical signals are created by changing membrane polarity
•  Polarity of a neuron at rest is the resting potential (-70mV) In certain neurons, the axon is covered by a myelin sheath
•  Polarity of a firing neuron is the action potential (+30mV) •  This enables saltatory conduction ( transmission speed)
•  The action potential ‘hops’ between gaps in the myelin
sheath (called nodes of Ranvier) for faster transmission
Nerve Impulses

The resting potential is maintained by a Na+/K+ pump Synaptic Transfer


•  It exchange sodium ions (3 out) and potassium ions (2 in)
so that the membrane potential becomes slightly negative Synapses are the physical junctions between two neurons
•  Electrical impulses cannot cross these physical gaps
An action potential changes the resting membrane potential
•  The opening of sodium channels causes a sodium influx Neurons release neurotransmitters into the synapse cleft
•  This creates a positive membrane potential (depolarisation) •  Depolarisation in axon terminals opens Ca2+ channels
•  Opening potassium channels causes a potassium efflux •  Ca2+ influx causes vesicles containing neurotransmitters
to release their contents into the synapse (via exocytosis)
•  This restores a negative membrane potential (repolarisation)
•  Neurotransmitters bind receptors on post-synaptic cells
The ion distribution must be restored to original conditions and generate graded potentials (excitatory or inhibitory)
before a neuron can fire again (this is the refractory period) •  The summation of these graded potentials determines if
the post-synaptic neuron (or effector cell) is activated
30
Membrane Potential (mV)

20
10
0
Neonicotinoid Pesticides
- 10
- 20 Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used in CNS and PNS
- 30 •  It is broken down in synapses by acetylcholinesterase
Threshold
- 40
- 50 Potential •  This prevents the overstimulation of the receptors
- 60
- 70 Neonicotinoid pesticides irreversibly bind to acetylcholine
- 80
receptors and cannot be digested by acetylcholinesterase
Resting Potential Depolarisation •  Insects have higher levels of these types of receptors
Repolarisation Refractory Period •  This makes neonicotinoids highly effective pesticides

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