Neurons have four functional zones and each performs a task required for communication. What are these four zones and what structural features found in each allow it to perform its function?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: The four zones are those for signal reception, signal integration, signal conduction, and signal transmission. The first zone contains the dendrites and frequently the cell body. Both structures contain receptors that are activated by a chemical, mechanical, electrical, or other signal and transduce that signal into an electrical one. The second zone, signal integration, is a common point for all signals received in the reception zone. It contains the axon hillock and forms the junction between the reception zone and conduction zone. Thus, it is an excellent point for integrating or summing signals from the dendrites and cell body. The third zone allows for signal conduction. It contains an axon and its branches, or collaterals. It is often covered with a myelin sheath to help insulate the signal and improve conduction along the axon. The last zone is used for signal transmission. In this zone, the axon terminals closely approach another cell, forming a synapse. The axon terminal has the ability to transduce the electrical signal into a chemical one by triggering the release of neurotransmitter stored in the terminals.