Neuron: Basic Structures & Their Functions

1) Build your neuron in the space provided below.

a. Label your neuron with the following parts: dendrites, axon, myelin, soma,
nucleus, synaptic terminal.
b. With each part, provide a short description (1-2 sentences) that describes
its function.
 Neurons: Action Potentials

2) In the space below, create a chart that outlines an action potential. Label the
stages of the action potential. Describe what is happening at each stage. Include
numbers for each stage for ordering purposes.
Exit Card

List the 7 parts of a neuron.

What channels play a role in the depolarization and repolarization in an action potential?
 Neurons & Action Potentials

As we learned last class, homeostasis maintains our body in a state of

equilibrium. For this balance to occur, different parts of the human body
must communicate.

How does our body communicate? Through neurons & action potentials!

A neuron is the fundamental unit of the nervous system, which is responsible

for coordinating electrochemical signals to different parts of the body to
execute a function. Much like typical cells, neurons have different organelles
and parts:

1. Dendrites processes information from other neurons

2. Cell Body maintenance of cell
3. Nucleus supports neuron/contains genetic material
4. Myelin surrounds axon to allow faster transmission of signals
5. Axon Hillock manages/generates signals
6. Axon transmits information from cell body to the synaptic terminal
 7. Synaptic Terminal vesicular transport & release of
neurotransmitters

Action Potential Sequence

(https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/ap.html)

1. Neuron is at a resting membrane potential of -70 mV.

2. Stimulus is received by dendrites. Na+ channels open and membrane
potential starts to rise. This is call depolarization.
3. If -55 mV is reached, an action potential is fired. More Na+ channels
open. Membrane potential reaches +30 mV.
4. Na+ channels begin to close, K+ channels open. Membrane potential
begins to decrease. This is called repolarization.
5. Opening of K+ channels causes a temporary hyperpolarization
(membrane potential reaches -90 mV) that prevents neuron from firing
another action potential (this is called the refractory period).
6. Na+/K+ pump returns membrane potential back to -70 mV.

Neurons & Action Potentials

As we learned last class, homeostasis maintains our body in a state of

equilibrium. For this balance to occur, different parts of the human body
must communicate.

How does our body communicate? _____________________________!

A ______________ is the fundamental unit of the ______________, which is

responsible for coordinating ____________________________to different parts of
the body to execute a ______________. Much like typical cells, neurons have
different organelles and parts:
Action Potential Sequence
(https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/ap.html):