The neurobiologist explained to the students, "The neural system is very much like the wires connecting your TV and stereo to the electrical outlet. If the wires were not covered with insulation, the signal would short circuit." The neurobiologist was describing the function of the:
a. terminal button.
b. axon.
c. inhibitory system.
d. myelin sheath.
I think it is either c or d but I am not too sure.
Well, if we're talking about wires and electrical outlets, it sounds like the neurobiologist was referring to the myelin sheath! Just like insulation on wires prevents short circuits, the myelin sheath insulates and protects the axon in our neural system. So, I'd go with option d, the myelin sheath. Just be glad our brains don't require a trip to the hardware store for some electrical tape!
To answer this question, let's break down the information provided by the neurobiologist.
The neurobiologist compares the neural system to the wires connecting a TV and stereo to an electrical outlet. They mention that if the wires were not covered with insulation, the signal would short circuit.
From this analogy, we can infer that the insulation on the wires is essential for maintaining the proper transmission of electrical signals. Similarly, in the neural system, there is a structure that helps to ensure the efficient transmission of signals.
Considering the options provided:
a. Terminal button: Terminal buttons are located at the ends of the neuron's axon and are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters into the synapse. This option is unrelated to the analogy described by the neurobiologist.
b. Axon: The axon is a long, tubular structure of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body towards the terminal buttons. Although the axon is a crucial part of the neural system, it does not directly correlate with the insulation analogy mentioned.
c. Inhibitory system: This option does not correspond to any specific component or function in the neural system. It is an unrelated concept.
d. Myelin sheath: The myelin sheath is a fatty, insulating layer that covers the axon of some neurons. It acts as an electrical insulator, preventing the leaking or short-circuiting of neural signals. This fits well with the neurobiologist's analogy of the insulation on wires.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer is: d. myelin sheath.