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A nerve cell (neuron) has two major functions: propagation of an action potential (nerve impulse, signal) along its axon and transmission of this signal from one neuron to another neuron or to an effector cell to elicit a response. Effector cells include skeletal and cardiac muscles and exocrine and endocrine cells regulated by the nervous system. Impulse conduction along an axon is electrical, caused by the exchanges of Na+ and K+ ions across the neuronal membrane. In contrast, impulse transmission from one neuron to another neuron or to a non-neuronal effector cell depends on the action of specific neurotransmitters on specific receptors. A particular neuron generates an identical action potential after each stimulus and conducts it at a fixed velocity along the axon. Velocity depends on axonal diameter and degree of myelination. For myelinated fibers, velocity (m/sec) is approximately 3.7 times the diameter (µ); eg, for a large (20-µ) myelinated fiber, velocity is nearly 75 m/sec. For unmyelinated fibers with diameters of 1 to 4 µ, velocity is 1 to 4 m/sec. A neuron simultaneously receives many stimuli--positive and negative--from other neurons and integrates them into various patterns of firing. The nerve impulses travel down axons to the next synapse. Once axonal propagation begins, drugs or toxins can modify the amount of neurotransmitter released from the terminal axon. For example, botulinum toxin blocks release of acetylcholine. Other chemical factors can also influence the effect of transmission by modifying a receptor. In myasthenia gravis, antibodies block the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Synapses occur between neuron and neuron and, in the periphery, between neuron and effector (eg, a muscle); in the CNS, more complex arrangements exist. Functional contact between two neurons may occur between axon and cell body, axon and dendrite (the receiving area of a neuron), cell body and cell body, or dendrite and dendrite. Neurotransmission can increase or decrease to generate a physiologic function or to respond to changing physiologic needs. Many neurologic and psychiatric diseases are caused by pathologic overactivity or underactivity of neurotransmission. Many drugs can modify neurotransmission; some (eg, hallucinogens) cause adverse effects, and some (eg, antipsychotic drugs) correct pathologic conditions. Development and maintenance of cells in the nervous system depend on many specific proteins, such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin-3. Zie verder: http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanu...er166/166a.jsp |
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Forum | Topic | Reacties | Laatste bericht | |
Huiswerkvragen: Exacte vakken |
[BIO] Proefwerk Thema 6 Regeling mell__ | 2 | 08-06-2009 16:19 | |
Algemene schoolzaken |
bio als bijvak om psychologie te studeren? --mause-- | 30 | 28-03-2005 15:04 |