Online Lab Topic One- Neurons

Leech Neuron Lab

1. What is the electrode measuring?
The electrode is measuring the voltage of individual neurons and the
reactions when these neurons are stimulated (second picture shows
a t cell and the different reading obtained when the skin was
stimulated with the three different tools).
2. Why use leeches in neurophysiology experiments?
Leeches are used because of their large accessible neurons. Also their simple system is easier to understand while at the same time relating to our complex system


3. What is the difference between a sensory and a motor neuron?
A sensory neuron is a nerve cell that sends impulses to the central nervous system once a receptor has been stimulated. A motor neuron is a nerve cell that sends impulses away from the central nervous system and innervates effectors like muscles and glands



4. Do you think a leech experiences pain? What is pain?
Pain is considered to have two aspects, one being physical hurt, and the second being emotional suffering. Nociceptive nerve detect injury causing stimuli have been identified in the leech, but is thought that the leech and other invertebrates are only capable of stimulus response reactions and do not have the brain system to process pain http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/en/pain/microsite/culture2.html


5. What were the two most interesting things about doing this lab?
The two most interesting things about this lab was the way you could actually
use the tools to dissect the leach, and also being able to watch the reactions when the
leach was stimulated with the different items.


6. Anything you found confusing or didn't like about the lab?
The lab was pretty straight forward, and easy to follow. The directions
were clearly stated and easy to understand, overall this was a fun lab