Types of Neurons PDF
Uploaded by
Perry SinTypes of Neurons PDF
Uploaded by
Perry SinSupport us at: mobolearner@gmail.
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Introduction
There are three types of neurons in the body. We have
sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.
Neurons are a major class of cells in the nervous system.
Neurons are sometimes called nerve cells, though this
term is technically imprecise, as many neurons do not form
nerves. In vertebrates, neurons are found in the brain, the
spinal cord and in the nerves and ganglia of the peripheral
nervous system. Their main role is to process and transmit
information. Neurons have excitable membranes, which
allow them to generate and propagate electrical impulses.
Sensory neuron takes nerve impulses or messages right
from the sensory receptor and delivers it to the central
nervous system. A sensory receptor is a structure that can
find any kind of change in it's surroundings or environment.
Structure of a neuron
Neurons have three different parts to them. They all have
an axon, a cell body and dendrites. The axon is the part of
the neuron that conducts nerve impulses. Axons can get to
be quite long. When an axon is present in nerves, it is
called a nerve fiber. A cell body has a nucleous and it also
has other organelles. The dendrites are the short pieces
that come off of the cell body that receive the signals from
sensory receptors and other neurons.
Myelin Sheath
Schwann cells contain a lipid substance called myelin in
their plasma membranes. When schwann cells wrap
around axons, a myelin sheath forms. There are gaps that
have no myelin sheath around them; these gaps are called
nodes of Ranvier. Myelin sheathes make excellent
insulators. Axons that are longer have a myelin sheath,
while shorter axons do not. The disease multiple sclerosis
is an autoimune disease where the body attacks the
myelin sheath of the central nervous system.
