Neurons
In today’s tutorial, we’re going to be talking about Neurons So you may be asking, what is a neuron? Neurons are specialized cells that process and transmit information within the nervous system.
What is a neuron
In today’s tutorial, we’re going to be talking about Neurons So you may be asking, what is a neuron? Neurons are specialized cells that process and transmit information within the nervous system.
Anatomy of a neuron
The main neuron parts are the dendrites, the nucleus, the cell body, the axon, and the myelin sheath. The cell body (soma) contains the nucelus and is responsible for the neuron's metabolic activities. The nucleus contains the genetic information in the form of DNA and controls the neuron’s functions. Dendrites are short, branched extensions that receive signals from other neurons. The axon is a long thin extension that transmits signals away from the neurons to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Axons can be covered with a fatty layer called the myelin sheath. It acts an insulating layer that allows signals to transmit quickly and efficiently. The far end of the axon is called axon terminal. They are the points at which neurons communicate with other cells, making them fundamental components of the nervous system's communication network.
Neuronal Processes
Now let’s understand how the neuron works. These green dots will help us understand the flow of information. A neuron receives stimulus primarily through its dendrites. The stimulus can be in the form of a sensory input, chemical signal, or electrical impulses from other neurons.
Membrane Potential
Membrane potential refers to the electrical voltage difference across the membrane of a cell due to uneven distribution of charged particles (ions) between the inside and outside of the cell.
Leaky Behavior
Neuron leaky behavior refers to the property of a neuron’s membrane that allows ions to pass through it, even in the absence of stimulation which can eventually lead to the change in membrane potential over time.
Action and Firing Threshold Potential
An action potential is a sudden, temporary reversal of the membrane potential, where the inside of the neuron becomes positively charged compared to the outside. The action potential propogates along the axon to the axon terminals. The presence of a myelin sheath can help improve this signal transfer. When membrane potential reaches a limit, an action potential is triggered. This limit is called the firing threshold potential.
Increasing Membrane Potential of Other Neurons
At the axon terminal, the action potential triggers a series of events that lead to communication with another neuron through the synapse.
Synapse
A synapse is a specialized junction that allows a neuron to transmit an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron.
