Neuron Communication
Neurons are cells in our brain and in our nervous system. It is responsible for processing, transferring, and storing information throughout the brain and the rest of the body.
Cell body – contains the cell nucleus, as well as other structures that help the neuron carry out its functions.
Dendrites – receives information from other cells.
Myelin sheath – wrapped around the axon of some neurons, it increases the speed of nerve impulses travel along the axon.
Axon – carries information to other neurons.
The three different types of neurons are: the motor neuron, sensory neuron, and interneuron.
Motor neurons are responsible for transmitting signals from the spinal cord to muscles, controlling movement.
Sensory neurons collect information that are then passed on to the central nervous system.
Interneurons are pathways for neurons to transfer information.
Neuron Function:
Resting Potential – This is when an axon is not stimulated. It is “at rest”. It has negatively charged ions on the inside and positively charged ions on the outside.
Depolarization – This occurs when a small section of the axon is stimulated. The membrane at the stimulated area open and allow positively charged sodium ions to move inside the cell membrane.
Depolarization – Potassium ions flow out. The cell loses positively charged ions, and returns back to its resting state.
Refractory Period – Returns back to its resting state. A second action potential cannot be initiated.
Synapse Function:
At the synaptic terminal, an electrical impulse travels down the axon of a neuron and then triggers the release of tiny vesicles containing neurotransmitters. This passes on information from one neuron to another.