Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Properties of Graded and Action Potentials

Anatomy & Physiology

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Properties of Graded and Action Potentials

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2:02 minutes

Problem 15

Textbook Question

a. Describe the composition and function of the cell body.
b. How are axons and dendrites alike? In what ways (structurally and functionally) do they differ?

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Step 1: Describe the composition of the cell body (soma). The cell body contains the nucleus, which houses the cell's genetic material (DNA), and other organelles such as the mitochondria (responsible for energy production), rough endoplasmic reticulum (involved in protein synthesis), and Golgi apparatus (for packaging and transport of proteins). The cytoplasm within the cell body also contains neurofibrils and Nissl bodies, which are specialized structures for maintaining cell shape and protein synthesis.

Step 2: Explain the function of the cell body. The cell body is the metabolic center of the neuron, responsible for maintaining the cell's health and functionality. It synthesizes proteins and neurotransmitters, processes incoming signals, and integrates information before transmitting it to the axon.

Step 3: Discuss how axons and dendrites are alike. Both axons and dendrites are extensions of the neuron and are involved in transmitting electrical signals. They are surrounded by a plasma membrane and contain cytoplasm, which includes microtubules and other cytoskeletal elements for structural support and transport of materials.

Step 4: Explain the structural differences between axons and dendrites. Axons are typically long, singular extensions that transmit signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. They may be covered by a myelin sheath to increase signal conduction speed. Dendrites, on the other hand, are shorter, branched structures that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them toward the cell body.

Step 5: Describe the functional differences between axons and dendrites. Axons are specialized for sending electrical impulses (action potentials) and releasing neurotransmitters at synaptic terminals to communicate with other cells. Dendrites are specialized for receiving incoming signals from other neurons or sensory receptors and integrating this information to determine the neuron's response.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cell Body Composition

The cell body, or soma, contains the nucleus and organelles essential for cellular function. It is primarily composed of cytoplasm, which houses various organelles like mitochondria, ribosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum. The cell body is responsible for maintaining the health of the neuron and integrating signals received from dendrites.

Axons and Dendrites

Axons and dendrites are both extensions of a neuron that facilitate communication. While dendrites receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body, axons carry impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles. Structurally, dendrites are typically shorter and more branched, whereas axons are longer and often covered in myelin, which speeds up signal transmission.

Functional Differences

Functionally, axons and dendrites serve distinct roles in neuronal communication. Dendrites are primarily involved in receiving and integrating incoming signals, while axons are responsible for transmitting action potentials to other cells. This difference in function is reflected in their structure, with dendrites having a larger surface area for receiving inputs and axons being specialized for rapid signal propagation.

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