Answer the following questions from your knowledge of the human nervous system - Leaving Cert Biology - Question c - 2018
Question c
Answer the following questions from your knowledge of the human nervous system.
(i) Outline the role of each of the following in the transmission of a nerve impulse... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Answer the following questions from your knowledge of the human nervous system - Leaving Cert Biology - Question c - 2018
Step 1
Outline the role of dendrites in the transmission of a nerve impulse.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Dendrites receive impulses from other neurons or sensory receptors and carry these impulses towards the cell body. They serve as the main receiving sites for neural signals.
Step 2
Outline the role of axon in the transmission of a nerve impulse.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The axon carries impulses away from the cell body towards other neurons or to effectors such as muscles or glands. This component is crucial for sending signals over long distances.
Step 3
Outline the role of cell body in the transmission of a nerve impulse.
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The cell body receives impulses from dendrites, processes the information, and may produce neurotransmitters. It controls the passage of impulses to the axon.
Step 4
Describe how a nerve impulse is transmitted across a synaptic cleft, from one neuron to the next.
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
When an impulse arrives at the synaptic knob, neurotransmitters are released into the synapse. These neurotransmitters diffuse across the gap and bind to receptors on the next neuron, triggering an impulse in that neuron. This process may involve enzymes breaking down excess neurotransmitter, and some may be recycled.
Step 5
Explain the importance of the myelin sheath in the transmission of a nerve impulse.
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The myelin sheath speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses by providing insulation. This allows for quicker conduction of action potentials along the axon due to the jumping of impulses between nodes of Ranvier, a process known as saltatory conduction.
Join the Leaving Cert students using SimpleStudy...
