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Chapter 24: Problem 14

Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes manufacture a lipid called myelin. Which statement best describes the function of this lipid? a. regulates the chemical environment b. sends input c. receives input d. improves signal transfer efficiency

Short Answer

Expert verified
d. improves signal transfer efficiency

Step by step solution

01

Identify Myelin

Myelin is a lipid-rich substance produced by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.
02

Understand Myelin's Role

Myelin forms a sheath around the axons of neurons which helps in insulating the axons.
03

Contrast Functions

Compare the listed functions: regulating chemical environment, sending and receiving input, and improving signal transfer efficiency. Myelin is known for increasing the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transfer along the nerve cells.
04

Select the Best Description

The statement that best describes the function of myelin is 'improves signal transfer efficiency.'

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Schwann cells
Schwann cells are specialized cells found in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). These cells have a key role in creating myelin for the axons outside the brain and spinal cord. Each Schwann cell wraps around a segment of an axon, forming myelin sheaths that are essential for proper nerve function.

These cells assist in:
  • Insulating axons to protect them
  • Improving quick transmission of nerve signals
  • Supporting nerve regeneration after injury
The unique capability of Schwann cells to regenerate makes them critical in healing nerve damage. They help restore the function by remyelinating regenerated axons, which is essential for regaining lost sensations or movements.
Oligodendrocytes
Oligodendrocytes are the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Unlike Schwann cells, one oligodendrocyte can extend its processes to several axons, myelinating different segments simultaneously.

The major functions of oligodendrocytes are:
  • Insulating multiple axons for faster nerve signal transmission
  • Providing structural support to the central nervous system
  • Helping maintain the health and stability of neuron networks
By creating multiple myelin sheath segments, oligodendrocytes enhance the efficiency of neural circuits. They ensure that electrical signals travel swiftly and correctly across neurons, contributing to vital functions like memory, movement, and sensation.
Nerve signal efficiency
Nerve signal efficiency refers to the speed and accuracy with which electrical impulses travel along nerve cells. Effective nerve signal transmission is crucial for the rapid communication between different parts of the body.

Myelin plays a pivotal role in this process by:
  • Reducing signal loss during transmission
  • Facilitating faster conduction of nerve impulses
  • Allowing signals to 'jump' between nodes of Ranvier in a process called saltatory conduction
Without efficient nerve signal conduction, our ability to perform tasks, sense stimuli, and respond appropriately would be compromised. Hence, the insulation provided by myelin is fundamental for the nervous system to function optimally.
Axon insulation
Axon insulation is a crucial function of the myelin sheath. The insulation prevents the leakage of electrical signals, ensuring they travel efficiently along the nerve fibers.

This insulation is necessary for:
  • Maintaining signal strength over long distances
  • Preventing interference from adjacent neurons
  • Enabling faster signal transmission through saltatory conduction
Saltatory conduction occurs when nerve impulses leap from one node of Ranvier (gaps in the myelin sheath) to the next. This process significantly increases the speed of signal transmission, making our nervous system exceptionally responsive.

Understanding these aspects highlights why myelin and the cells that produce it (Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes) are critical to the nervous system's health and functionality.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Ectotherms and endotherms have different strategies for generating and maintaining body heat. Explain why ectotherms are more dependent on the environment for body heat than endotherms and how endotherms are able to generate and maintain body temperature. a. Ectotherms use external thermal heat whereas endotherms use metabolically generated heat to help regulate and maintain body temperatures. b. Ectotherms use external heat to help regulate and maintain body temperatures whereas endotherms have constantly varying internal temperatures. c. Ectotherms use metabolically-generated heat to maintain a constant body temperature whereas endotherms use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature within a wider range. d. Ectotherms use external thermal energy to help regulate and maintain body temperatures whereas endotherms maintain a constant body temperature.

How does an asymmetrical body plan differ from radial or bilateral body plans? a. Asymmetrical organisms can produce equal halves if cut along a certain plane, whereas radially and bilaterally symmetric organisms have no distinct pattern. b. Asymmetrical organisms have no distinct pattern, whereas radially and bilaterally symmetric organisms can produce equal halves if cut along a certain plane. c. Asymmetrical organisms produce equal halves if cut along a certain plane with no definite right or left side, whereas radially and bilaterally symmetric organisms can produce equal halves. d. Asymmetrical organisms produce equal halves if cut along a certain plane with definite right and left sides, whereas radially and bilaterally symmetric organisms can produce equal halves.

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Both negative and positive feedback loops are essential for maintaining proper body functions. Blood calcium and blood clotting are under the control of different feedback loops. Which of these processes is maintained by a positive feedback loop and why? a. Blood clotting is maintained by a positive feedback loop, as clotting is amplified in response by increasing the amount of clotting factors when clotting factors are present. b. Blood clotting is maintained by a positive feedback loop, as clotting factors are maintained in a specific range and a positive loop helps return the conditions to the set point. c. Blood calcium is maintained by a positive feedback loop, as calcium levels are amplified in response by increasing the amount of calcium levels when calcium is present. d. Blood calcium is maintained by a positive feedback loop, as calcium levels are maintained in a specific range and a positive feedback loop helps return the conditions to the set point.

What is homeostasis and how does it help maintain equilibrium of various body functions throughout the body? a. Homeostasis is the process of achieving stability, which occurs through behavioral changes. Equilibrium is maintained by that ensuring body functions remain within a certain range. b. Homeostasis is the process by which constant adjustments to changes in the body occur, and equilibrium is maintained by ensuring that body functions remain within a certain range. c. Homeostasis is the process that prevents blood loss from circulation when a blood vessel is ruptured, and equilibrium is maintained by ensuring that circulation of blood is kept within a normal range. d. Homeostasis is the process by which constant adjustment to changes in the body occurs, and equilibrium is maintained as body functions remain within a certain range without any fluctuations.
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