UNSW Cell Biology

Medicine: Regression and Endings- Neuron Structure

Start by looking at the online and recommended textbooks. These links will give you an introduction to neurons and some images related neural development. The other textbook covering this topic in detail is Neuroscience 2nd ed. by Purves and others.

What are the functions of neurons? How does the nervous system develop? How do neurons communicate?

Objectives

Understand neural function

Understand key differences between neurons and other cells

Brief understanding of neuron ion channels

Brief understanding of neuron cytoskeleton

Online Textbooks

Molecular Biology of the Cell
Image: Figure 21-88 A typical neuron of a vertebrate
The Function of a Nerve Cell Depends on Its Elongated Structure
Neural Development

Molecular Cell Biology
21.1. Overview of Neuron Structure and Function
PERSPECTIVES for the Future
21.7. Learning and Memory

The Cell- A Molecular Approach
Image: Organization of microtubules in nerve cells
Ion Channels

Textbooks

Neuroscience 2nd ed. Purves, Dale; Augustine, George J.; Fitzpatrick, David; Katz, Lawrence C.; LaMantia, Anthony-Samuel; McNamara, James O.; Williams, S. Mark. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates, Inc.; 2001.

Histology and Cell Biology (Kierszenbaum):

Library: Local List | NCBI Bookshelf

Student Guide (next)

Detailed Study (15-30 minutes)

Next - more detailed online resources about neurons, their development and function. Includes a link to a complete set of lecture slides on Neurons.

In Depth (+30 minutes)

Then - look at detailed information about neurons.

Includes links to review articles and animations.

Links

Search NLM Online Textbooks- "Neuron"

Molecular Biology of the Cell

Molecular Cell Biology

The Cell- A molecular Approach

Related Topics

Neurons, glia, axon, dendrite, synapse, cytoskeleton