Explore BrainMass

Explore BrainMass

    Neurons and Glia

    This is a diagram illustrating the anatomy of a neuron. Review this section's solutions to find out more about the role of each part of a neuron.

    The CNS is composed of two broad classes of cells: neurons and glia.

    Neurons, or nerve cells, are the elements of the nervous system that bring sensory information to the brain, store memories, reach decisions, and control the activity of muscles.

    Neuron circuits are the functional basis of how we think, feel, remember, perceive and know. They are comprised of thousands of neurons sending and receiving signals. These neurons are not connected randomly. They selectively communicate with other neurons to form these circuits or networks.

    There are two types of synapses that occur between two neurons in a neuron circuit:¹

    1. Excitatory Synapses are activated when a terminal button releases a transmitter substance that excites a post synaptic neuron on the other side of the synapse. This excitation makes it more likely the synaptic neuron will fire.
    2. Inhibitory Synapses lower the likelihood that the axons of the postsynaptic neurons will fire when they are activated. This leads to an inhibitory action potential.

    Neurons can be classified by function into three distinct groups:¹

    1. Sensory neurons aka afferent neurons detect information from the physical world and pass that information to the brain.
    2. Motor neurons aka efferent neurons direct muscles to relax or contract, producing movement. These are impulses carried away from the brain to the body.
    3. Interneurons are any neurons that are not sensory or motor. They link sensory and motor neurons and work to integrate and communicate information, rather than transmitting information from body to brain or vice versa.

    Neurons are assisted in their tasks by the other type of cell found in the CNS: the glial cells. Glial cells provide support for neurons and supply them with some essential chemicals. This support includes helping guide developing neurons, manufacturing chemicals, absorbing negative chemicals and forming protective sheaths. They also serve as the brain’s immune system as protection for invading micro organisms.

    Astrocytes are the most abundant and versatile neuroglia.

     

     

    Reference:
    1. Carlson, Neil R., Buskist, W., Heth, C.D, Schmaltz, R. Psychology - The Science of Behaviour.

    © BrainMass Inc. brainmass.com March 29, 2024, 10:57 am ad1c9bdddf

    BrainMass Solutions Available for Instant Download

    Brain Functions

    Ideas are offered to compare and contrast the differences between male and female brains from a physiological perspective, via the following aspects of biopsychology: 1. Lateralization 2. Cognitive Functions such as attention and focus 3. Corpus Collosum

    Mirror Neurons

    What are the role of mirror neurons with regard to imagery, cognitive mapping, and information transfer? References Required.

    Types and functions of neurons

    Are all neurons equal? Or are they different in shape, size and function? How many different types of neurons are there and what are their functions?

    neural transmission summary

    Is the brain involved in every neural transmission that results in behavior? Are there some behaviors that do involve the brain and some that don't? What are the differences between them?

    How Neuro Processes Affect Behavior and Impact the Field of Biological Psychology

    Analyze how neuro processes affect behavior and impact the field of biological psychology. Address the following items in analysis: Describe the role of postsynaptic potentials (excitatory and inhibitory), synaptic transmission, and receptors in producing and regulating behavior. Describe the primary neurotransmitters and

    Functions of Neurons and Neurotransmitters

    1. Describe neurotransmitters in terms of what they are, their general function within the body, and their impact on behavior. 2. Discuss the connection between neurons and neurotransmitters. 3. Pick two neurotransmitters and discuss their general functions in our bodies. Also discuss each neurotransmitter's connection w

    Biological Influences and Neurons/Neurotransmitters

    1. Describe Neurotransmitter in terms of what they are, their general function within the body, and their impact on behavior. 2. Discuss the connection between neurons and neurotransmitters. 3. Pick two neurotransmitters and discuss their general functions in our bodies. also discuss each neurotransmitter connection with d

    Brain response of behavior.

    Explain the communication process of neurons in the brain. List some common neurotransmitters and describe their effect on our behavior.

    Neurotransmitters effect and function with focus on dopamine

    Describe neurotransmitters, their function, and impact on behavior. Discuss one neurotransmitter in detail describing the effect it has on our bodies and connection with disease. Discuss the importance of biology for understanding behavior

    Neurotransmitters, Brain and Disease

    Describe neurotransmitters, their function, and impact on behavior. Discuss one neurotransmitter in detail describing the effect it has on our bodies and connection with disease. Discuss the importance of biology for understanding behavior. For this DB, make sure you fully describe the structure of neurotransmitters, their

    Neurotransmitters

    I need to a know what a neurotransmitter is, their function, and the impact it has on behavior. What is one neurotransmitter in detail describing the effect it has on our bodies and connection with disease. Discuss the importance of biology for understanding behavior.

    Anatomical features of the neuron

    Describe all the anatomical features of the neuron. What are the structures and functions of each one? Include in your answer the location and difference between voltage-gate and chemically-gated channels.