Chapter 33, Problem 8A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The consequences, if the nerve impulse in the neuron is transmitted in both directions instead of unidirectional transmission.

Introduction:

Neurons are specialized cells that help to collect external information, analyze the information, and respond to it. Neurons make up a large signaling network, called the nervous system, in the body. A neuron mainly consists of three regions: an axon, the dendrites and a cell body. There are three groups of neurons: sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.

Explanation of Solution

Neurons in the brain only fire in one direction. They have a receptor for chemicals on one end and they release chemicals in the other. Therefore, the chain from one neuron to the next only goes in one direction. If the neuron can fire both ways a loss of impulse would take place and we would not able to receive the proper signals from the neurons. Nerves all over our body, work in a bidirectional manner.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that the nerve impulses would be lost if the neuron would fire from both directions instead of a unidirectional transmission.