Neurons and Nerve Impulses: The Building Blocks of Communication

Neurons and Nerve Impulses: The Building Blocks of Communication

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure of neurons, nerve fibers, and the generation and transmission of nerve impulses.

What do you already know about neurons and nerve impulses?

Structure of Neurons

Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting information in the nervous system. 

They consist of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon.

Types of Neurons

There are three main types of neurons: motor neurons, sensory neurons, and connector neurons. 

1. Motor neurons  carry control muscle movement
2. sensory neurons transmit sensory information
3.  connector neurons connect different neurons together.

Nerve Fibers

Nerve fibers are long, slender projections of neurons that transmit nerve impulses. They can be myelinated or unmyelinated.

Generation of Nerve Impulses

Nerve impulses are generated through a process called action potential. This involves a change in electrical potential across the neuron's membrane.

Transmission of Nerve Impulses

Nerve impulses are transmitted through the neuron via depolarization. This involves a rapid change in the electrical potential of the neuron's membrane.

Factors Affecting Transmission Speed

The speed of transmission can be influenced by factors such as the presence of nodes of Ranvier, the presence of a myelin sheath, and the diameter of the axon.

Structure and Function of Synapses

Synapses are the junctions between neurons where communication occurs. They allow for the transmission of nerve impulses from one neuron to another.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.