key term - Dendrite

Definition

Dendrites are branched projections of a neuron that receive electrical signals from other neurons. These structures play a crucial role in the communication between neurons, as they act as the primary sites for synaptic transmission, collecting information and transmitting it to the neuron's cell body for processing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dendrites can have many branches, allowing a single neuron to receive input from multiple other neurons simultaneously.
2. The surface of dendrites is covered in dendritic spines, small protrusions that increase the surface area available for synaptic connections.
3. Dendrites play a significant role in learning and memory by adapting their structure and function in response to experience, a process known as synaptic plasticity.
4. Abnormalities in dendritic structure or function can be linked to various neurological disorders, including schizophrenia and autism.
5. Dendrites help integrate incoming signals, summing excitatory and inhibitory inputs to determine whether the neuron will fire an action potential.

Review Questions

• How do dendrites contribute to the overall function of a neuron in terms of information processing?
  • Dendrites are essential for the information processing capabilities of a neuron. They receive signals from other neurons through synapses and collect this input to transmit to the cell body. The integration of these signals is crucial for determining whether the neuron will generate an action potential. Thus, dendrites essentially serve as the receptive and integrative structures that enable communication within neural circuits.
• In what ways do dendritic spines influence synaptic strength and neuronal plasticity?
  • Dendritic spines play a pivotal role in enhancing synaptic strength and facilitating neuronal plasticity. By increasing the surface area of dendrites, spines provide additional sites for synaptic connections, allowing for more efficient neurotransmitter reception. This adaptability enables changes in synaptic strength based on activity patterns, which is fundamental for learning and memory processes. The growth or shrinkage of these spines can reflect experiences and lead to lasting changes in neuronal connectivity.
• Evaluate the impact of dendritic abnormalities on neurological disorders, providing examples of specific conditions affected by these changes.
  • Dendritic abnormalities can significantly impact the functioning of neural circuits and are associated with various neurological disorders. For instance, individuals with schizophrenia may exhibit reduced dendritic branching and spine density, leading to impaired cognitive functions. Similarly, autism spectrum disorders have been linked to altered dendritic morphology, which affects social behavior and communication skills. Understanding these changes in dendritic structure offers insights into the underlying mechanisms of these disorders and highlights potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Related terms

Axon: The long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Synapse:

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs, allowing for the transfer of signals through neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitter: Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another, facilitating communication within the nervous system.