The Nervous System: The Neuron (Nerve Cell)
Summary
TLDRThis lesson delves into the neuron, the primary cell of the nervous system, highlighting its structure and function. The neuron's cell body, dendrites, axon, and synapses are detailed, explaining how they facilitate communication across the body. The video also explores the myelin sheaths' role in speeding up signal conduction and the significance of the nodes of Ranvier. It concludes by discussing how neurons form networks and transmit messages via synapses, allowing us to perceive our surroundings.
Takeaways
- π§ The neuron is the primary cell of the nervous system, responsible for communication within the body.
- π³ The neuron has a cell body, or soma, which contains the nucleus.
- πΏ Dendrites are branch-like structures that receive chemical and electrical stimuli.
- π‘ The axon is the neuron's longest extension, facilitating communication across long distances.
- π The axon hillock is the junction where the axon connects to the soma.
- π‘ Myelin sheaths are protective fatty tissues that surround the axon and speed up signal conduction.
- π Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheaths that aid in signal conduction and nutrient exchange.
- π Axon terminals are the branching ends of the axon that form connections with other neurons.
- π Neurons form a network through synapses, where messages are transmitted between neurons.
- π Synaptic cleft is the junction where neurotransmitters are released and received, facilitating message transmission.
- π The nervous system interprets messages from neurons as sensations, allowing us to perceive the world.
Q & A
What is the primary cell of the nervous system?
-The primary cell of the nervous system is the neuron.
What is the function of the neuron?
-The neuron allows the nervous system to communicate with the rest of the body by transmitting messages across relatively long distances.
What is the cell body of a neuron also known as?
-The cell body of a neuron is also known as the soma.
What are dendrites and what is their function?
-Dendrites are tree-like branches that extend off of the soma and are used by the neuron to detect both chemical and electrical stimuli.
What is the longest extension from the soma of a neuron?
-The axon is the longest extension from the soma of a neuron.
What is the role of the Axon hillock?
-The Axon hillock is the junction that connects the axon to the cell body.
What are Myelin Sheaths and how do they help the neuron?
-Myelin sheaths are sections of fatty tissue that protect the axon and help speed up signal conduction along the axon.
What are the gaps between myelin sheaths called?
-The gaps between myelin sheaths are called the Nodes of Ranvier.
What is the function of the Nodes of Ranvier?
-The Nodes of Ranvier aid in signal conduction and allow nutrients and waste to enter and leave the axon.
How do neurons communicate with each other?
-Neurons communicate with each other through the Synapse or Synaptic cleft, which is the junction between one neuron's axon terminals and another neuron's dendrites.
What happens at the Synapse during message transmission?
-At the Synapse, chemical and electrical neurotransmitters are released and picked up by the dendrites of the recipient nerve cell.
How does the body interpret the messages passed by neurons?
-The body interprets the messages passed by neurons as sights, sounds, aromas, and other sensations that allow us to observe the world around us.
Outlines
π§ Introduction to Neurons
This paragraph introduces the neuron as the primary cell of the nervous system, emphasizing its role in communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body. It outlines the neuron's structure, including the cell body (soma), dendrites, axon, axon hillock, myelin sheaths, nodes of Ranvier, and axon terminals. The paragraph also sets the stage for discussing how neurons form a network and transmit messages.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Neuron
π‘Cell Body (Soma)
π‘Dendrites
π‘Axon
π‘Axon Hillock
π‘Myelin Sheaths
π‘Nodes of Ranvier
π‘Axon Terminals
π‘Synapse
π‘Neurotransmitters
π‘Nerve Cell Network
Highlights
Introduction to the neuron as the primary cell of the nervous system.
Neuron's role in allowing the nervous system to communicate with the rest of the body.
Key features of the neuron's structure for transmitting messages.
Description of the Cell Body or Soma, which houses the cell nucleus.
Function of dendrites in detecting chemical and electrical stimuli.
The axon's role as the primary communication pipeline of the neuron.
Explanation of the Axon hillock as the junction connecting the axon to the cell body.
The protective and conductive role of Myelin Sheaths on the axon.
The function of Nodes of Ranvier in signal conduction and nutrient exchange.
Description of Axon Terminals and their branching structure.
How neurons form a nerve cell network for message transmission.
The Synapse as the junction for message transmission between neurons.
The process of chemical and electrical neurotransmitters being released and picked up at the synapse.
Interpretation of messages by the central nervous system as sights, sounds, aromas, and other sensations.
Conclusion of the discussion about the neuron's structure and function.
Thank you note for watching the lesson on the nervous system.
Transcripts
Welcome back to our lesson on the nervous system.
In this video, we will talk about the primary cell of the nervous system,
the neuron
We will talk about the structure of neurons
and also how they come together to form an entire network of nerve cells.
Great so letβs begin.
The neuron is a very fascinating and vital portion of the nervous system
because it allows the nervous system
to communicate with the rest of the body.
The structure of the neuron offers key features to help it to transmit messages
across relatively long distances.
To begin,
the Neuron has a Cell Body,
which is also known as the Soma,
and which houses the cell nucleus.
Next, are the dendrites,
which are tree-like branches that extend off of the soma.
These are used by the neuron
to detect both chemical and electrical stimuli.
In the center of the neuron is the axon.
The axon is the longest extension from the soma
and can be up to a meter in length.
It serves as the primary communication pipeline
from one end of the neuron to the other.
The Axon hillock is the junction
that connects the Axon to the cell body.
Covering the axon are Myelin Sheaths.
Myelin sheaths are sections of fatty tissue
that help to protect the axon
and also help to speed-up signal conduction
along the axon.
The gaps between myelin sheaths
are called the Nodes of Ranvier.
These also aid in signal conduction
and they also allow nutrients & waste
to enter and leave the axon.
Finally, at the end of the axon, are extensions that
branch off to form several Axon Terminals.
Now that weβve covered
the structure of the neuron,
letβs talk about how neurons
come together to form a nerve cell network.
Remember, neurons are supposed to
send messages to each other,
but how exactly does this happen?
Message transmission happens at the Synapse,
or Synaptic cleft,
which is the junction between one neurons axon terminals and another neuronβs dendrites.
This is the special area,
where chemical and electrical neurotransmitters
are released, and picked are up by the dendrites
of the recipient nerve cell.
As neurons pass information to central nervous system,
our body then interprets these messages as sights,
sounds, aromas, and other sensations that allow us observe the world around us.
This concludes our discussion of the neuron.
Thank you for watching.
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