Summary Psychology 16 Marker Revision - Structure of Neurons

SECTION: Structure of Neurons + Neurotransmitters

TOPIC: Biopsychology

KEY IDEAS (K/U)
1. Neurons – nerve cells that are specialised to process and transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle,
or gland cells.

 Sensory neuron = receives information from the sense organs (eyes/ears/tongue), carrying them from
the PNS to the CNS – detects stimuli

 Motor neuron = passes messages from the CNS to effectors (muscles and gland) which causes the body
to respond

 Relay neuron = allows the sensory and motor neurons to communicate , it is wholly in the CNS, they
allow for fast reactions

2. Afferent Neuron = transmits signals to the CNS (sensory)
3. Efferent Neuron = transmits signals away from the CNS to the effectors (motor)




 Cell Body = the control centre if the neuron, contains the nucleus
 Dendrite = connected to the cell body, receives signals from other neurons
 Axon = long fibre carrying impulses away from the body, towards the axon terminal
 Myelin Sheath = protects and insulates the axon, speeds up transmission as impulses jump
between gaps
 Axon terminal = area of the nerve which makes synaptic connections-communicates with the next
neuron