Decoding the Neuron: Structure and Function

Biology Grades High School 6:13 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the fascinating world of neurons, the fundamental units of the nervous system. This lesson dives into the anatomy of a neuron and how its structure enables communication throughout the body.

Video Resource

Anatomy of a neuron | Human anatomy and physiology | Health & Medicine | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 6:13
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Neuron structure (dendrites, soma, axon, axon terminal)
  • Signal transmission within a neuron
  • Myelin sheath and nodes of Ranvier
  • Synapses and their role in communication

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and describe the main parts of a neuron and their functions.
  • Explain how a signal is transmitted along a neuron.
  • Describe the role of the myelin sheath and nodes of Ranvier in signal transmission.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by engaging students with a discussion about the importance of the nervous system and the brain. Ask them what they already know about neurons.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Anatomy of a Neuron.' Encourage students to take notes on the different parts of the neuron and their functions.
  • Guided Discussion (10 mins)
    Facilitate a discussion about the video. Use the discussion questions below to guide the conversation. Encourage students to clarify any points they found confusing.
  • Diagram Labeling Activity (15 mins)
    Have students label a diagram of a neuron, identifying the dendrites, soma, axon, axon hillock, myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier, and axon terminal. This can be done individually or in small groups.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (10 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Neuron Model Building
    Students can create a physical model of a neuron using materials like pipe cleaners, beads, and clay. This hands-on activity reinforces their understanding of neuron anatomy.

Discussion Questions

  • Why do you think neurons are considered one of the most interesting cells in the human body?
  • How does the structure of a neuron relate to its function of transmitting signals?
  • What would happen if the myelin sheath was damaged?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Visual learning
  • Vocabulary acquisition
  • Model building

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which part of the neuron typically receives signals from other neurons?

Correct Answer: Dendrites

Question 2:

The cell body of a neuron is also known as the:

Correct Answer: Soma

Question 3:

The long, tail-like extension of a neuron that transmits signals is the:

Correct Answer: Axon

Question 4:

What is the main function of the myelin sheath?

Correct Answer: To insulate the axon and speed up signal transmission

Question 5:

The gaps in the myelin sheath along the axon are called:

Correct Answer: Nodes of Ranvier

Question 6:

Where does the soma connect to the axon?

Correct Answer: Axon Hillock

Question 7:

What part of the neuron triggers an action potential?

Correct Answer: Axon Hillock

Question 8:

What is the purpose of the axon terminal?

Correct Answer: To connect to other dendrites or muscles

Question 9:

What are the insulating cells around the axon called?

Correct Answer: Schwann cells

Question 10:

What is the name for the communication point between two neurons?

Correct Answer: Synapse

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The branching extensions of a neuron that receive signals are called ________.

Correct Answer: dendrites

Question 2:

The _________ is the main body of the neuron, containing the nucleus.

Correct Answer: soma

Question 3:

The _________ is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Correct Answer: axon

Question 4:

The _________ insulates the axon and speeds up signal transmission.

Correct Answer: myelin sheath

Question 5:

The gaps in the myelin sheath are called _________.

Correct Answer: nodes of Ranvier

Question 6:

The axon connects to the soma at the _________.

Correct Answer: axon hillock

Question 7:

The _________ makes up the myelin sheath.

Correct Answer: Schwann cell

Question 8:

Signals are summed up and travel to the axon _________.

Correct Answer: hillock

Question 9:

An _________ is triggered on the axon if the signal is large enough.

Correct Answer: action potential

Question 10:

Signals are transmitted across _________ to other dendrites or muscles.

Correct Answer: synapses

Educational Standards

B.LS1.1:[Standard] Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. B.LS1.2:[Standard] Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.

Teaching Materials

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