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Q8(b):
Differentiate between: (b) Dendrites and axons
Solution :
1. Morphological and Functional Definition
In the context of the neuron, the structural unit of the nervous system, Dendrites and Axons represent the two distinct types of cytoplasmic processes extending from the cell body (soma). Their differentiation is rooted in their polarity, physiological role, and structural composition.
2. Comparative Analysis Table
| Feature | Dendrite | Axon |
|---|---|---|
| Direction of Impulse | Afferent (Towards the cell body) | Efferent (Away from the cell body) |
| Number per Neuron | Usually multiple/branched | Single (typically) |
| Length | Short and tapering | Long (up to 1 meter in human body) |
| Cytoplasmic Inclusions | Contains Nissl granules | Lacks Nissl granules |
| Myelination | Absent | Present (in myelinated neurons) |
3. Structural and Functional Justification
Step 1: Dendritic Characteristics [Per Cellular Anatomy]
Dendrites are characterized by high concentrations of Nissl bodies (rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes) which facilitate local protein synthesis [Functional Justification: Supports synaptic plasticity and receptor maintenance]. Their branching structure increases the surface area for receiving chemical signals (neurotransmitters) from adjacent neurons.
Step 2: Axonal Characteristics [Per Electrophysiological Principles]
The axon, or nerve fiber, originates from the axon hillock [Structural Justification: The spike initiation zone]. The absence of Nissl granules in the axoplasm is a critical specialization, as the axon functions primarily in the rapid conduction of action potentials rather than protein synthesis. The presence of the axolemma and, in many cases, a myelin sheath [Per saltatory conduction theory], enables the high-speed propagation of electrical impulses toward the synaptic terminals.
4. Visual Representation of Neuronal Polarity
Final Solution: Dendrites are short, branched processes that conduct impulses toward the cell body and contain Nissl granules, whereas the axon is a long, singular process that conducts impulses away from the cell body, lacks Nissl granules, and serves as the primary output line of the neuron.
More Questions from Class 11 Biology Neural Control and Coordination EXERCISES
- Q1: Briefly describe the structure of the Brain
- Q2(a): Compare the following: (a) Central neural system (CNS) and Peripheral neural system (PNS)
- Q2(b): Compare the following: (b) Resting potential and action potential
- Q3(a): Explain the following processes: (a) Polarisation of the membrane of a nerve fibre
- Q3(b): Explain the following processes: (b) Depolarisation of the membrane of a nerve fibre
- Q3(c): Explain the following processes: (c) Transmission of a nerve impulse across a chemical synapse
- Q4(a): Draw labelled diagrams of the following: (a) Neuron
- Q4(b): Draw labelled diagrams of the following: (b) Brain
- Q5(a): Write short notes on the following: (a) Neural coordination
- Q5(b): Write short notes on the following: (b) Forebrain
- Q5(c): Write short notes on the following: (c) Midbrain
- Q5(d): Write short notes on the following: (d) Hindbrain
- Q5(e): Write short notes on the following: (e) Synapse
- Q6: Give a brief account of Mechanism of synaptic transmission.
- Q7: Explain the role of $Na^+$ in the generation of action potential.
- Q8(a): Differentiate between: (a) Myelinated and non-myelinated axons
- Q8(c): Differentiate between: (c) Thalamus and Hypothalamus
- Q8(d): Differentiate between: (d) Cerebrum and Cerebellum
- Q9(a): Answer the following: (a) Which part of the human brain is the most developed?
- Q9(b): Answer the following: (b) Which part of our central neural system acts as a master clock?
- Q10(a): Distinguish between: (a) afferent neurons and efferent neurons
- Q10(b): Distinguish between: (b) impulse conduction in a myelinated nerve fibre and unmyelinated nerve fibre
- Q10(f): Distinguish between: (f) cranial nerves and spinal nerves.
CBSE Solutions for Class 11 Biology Neural Control and Coordination
Chapters in CBSE - Class 11 Biology
- The Living World
- Biological Classification
- Plant Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Morphology of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy of Flowering Plants
- Structural Organisation in Animals
- Cell – The Unit of Life
- Biomolecules
- Cell Cycle and Division
- Transport in Plants
- Mineral Nutrition
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration in Plants
- Plant Growth and Development
- Digestion and Absorption
- Breathing and Exchange of Gases
- Body Fluids and Circulation
- Excretory Products and Elimination
- Locomotion and Movement
- Chemical Coordination and Integration
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