Leech Lab

1. What is the electrode measuring?
The electrode measure voltage. While not shown in this lab you have to have an electrode in the solution to get a starting point. You then use the microelectrode to measure the potential difference across the neurons membrane.

2. Why use leeches in neurophysiology experiments?
Leeches are a favorite of scientists to use because they have a small number of neurons that are relatively large.

3. What is the difference between a sensory and a motor neuron?
A sensory neuron is responsible for transmitting information from external stimuli to the central nervous system. While a motor neuron is located in the central nervous system and controls muscles.

4. Do you think a leech experiences pain? What is pain?
I do believe that the leech experiences pain. As we saw with this lab certain nerves were responding to certain stimulations.
Pain is different for different people but, I would describe pain as a feeling of discomfort.

5. What were the two most interesting things about doing this lab?
I found it interesting that different cells felt different stimulations. I would have thought a nerve is a nerve and would feel it all. I also found using the dye to follow the path of the nerve interesting.

6. Anything you found confusing or didn't like about the lab?
I liked this whole lab...it took me a few times to find the T cell, but I was finally able to locate all the different cells.