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Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb, Hoehn 11th EditionCh. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous TissueProblem 16
Chapter 11, Problem 16

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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For part (a), start by defining the cell body (also called the soma) of a neuron. Explain that it contains the nucleus and most of the organelles, such as mitochondria, ribosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum, which are essential for the neuron's metabolic activities and protein synthesis.
Next, describe the function of the cell body, emphasizing that it integrates incoming signals from the dendrites and generates outgoing signals to the axon. It also maintains the neuron's health and supports its overall function.
For part (b), begin by identifying the similarities between axons and dendrites: both are extensions of the neuron that conduct electrical signals and are covered by the plasma membrane with cytoplasm inside.
Then, explain the structural differences: dendrites are typically short, branched, and numerous, while axons are usually long, singular, and may have branches called axon collaterals. Also, dendrites have a rough surface due to synaptic inputs, whereas axons have a smooth surface.
Finally, discuss the functional differences: dendrites receive incoming signals from other neurons and transmit them toward the cell body, whereas axons carry outgoing signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

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Key Concepts

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

Cell Body (Soma) Composition and Function

The cell body, or soma, contains the nucleus and cytoplasm with organelles like mitochondria and ribosomes. It integrates incoming signals and maintains cell health by producing proteins and energy necessary for neuron function.
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Structure and Function of Axons

Axons are long, slender projections that transmit electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles. They often have myelin sheaths to speed signal conduction and end in terminal branches for communication.
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Functional Groups

Structure and Function of Dendrites

Dendrites are branched extensions from the cell body that receive incoming signals from other neurons. They have numerous receptors and increase the surface area for synaptic input, playing a key role in signal integration.
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Functional Groups
Related Practice
Textbook Question

The velocity of nerve impulse conduction is greatest in

a. Heavily myelinated, large-diameter fibers

b. Myelinated, small-diameter fibers

c. Nonmyelinated, small-diameter fibers

d. Nonmyelinated, large-diameter fibers

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Textbook Question

The effects of neurotransmitter binding are very brief. Explain.

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Textbook Question

a. Contrast unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar neurons structurally.

b. Indicate where each is most likely to be found.

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Textbook Question

What is the polarized membrane state? How is it maintained? (Note the relative roles of both passive and active mechanisms.)

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Textbook Question

Since all APs generated by a given nerve fiber have the same magnitude, how does the CNS 'know' whether a stimulus is strong or weak?

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