We've all heard of the neuron, but how does it work and what does it do? Let's start by saying, there is nothing more awesome than a neuron.
The neuron, indisputably one of the most interesting cells in our body, is cell that has the ability to get excited which, in effect, can transfer and store information. The neuron contains a nucleus, dendrites, and an axon terminal (plus all the stuff a cell needs to have i.e. mitochondria, ribosomes, cytoplasm, etc.). The dendritic end of the neuron receives the signal, called the action potential, while the the axon terminal sends the signal. Along the axon, there is covering called the myelin sheath which contains cells called schwann cells that are used to support the neuron. In many neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, the myelin sheath is damaged, and the neuron is no longer supported by a sufficient amount of these schwann cells.
So what exactly happens in the action potential?
In the action potential, the signal is received by the dendrite, travels down the neuron, and then causes neurotransmitters such as Acetylcholine (ACh) to be released in the synaptic cleft by the synaptic vesicles, or small space in between the presynaptic axon and the dendrite of a postsynaptic cell ( refer to picture on right). The neurotransmitter is then received by postsynaptic receptors. There is a lot of involvement between sodium, potassium, and calcium ions, but I am not going to go over all of that in depth because I would prefer to give you the basic concept and spark your interest rather than trying to type out an entire anatomy class on this post.
In a short version, the neuron is in the resting phase when there is no electric signal. However, when the signal comes along, it enters a phase of depolarization in which the sodium ion channels open and sodium ions enter the axon (refer to picture on right) . It then reaches its action potential, and soon enters the phase of repolarization in which potassium ions open and potassium ions flow out of the axon. Eventually, a resting potential is re-established and the process starts all over again.
So there you have it, a basic overview of the neuron. Intriguing stuff right here, huh? If you think so, be sure to check out my post on the blue brain project!
The neuron, indisputably one of the most interesting cells in our body, is cell that has the ability to get excited which, in effect, can transfer and store information. The neuron contains a nucleus, dendrites, and an axon terminal (plus all the stuff a cell needs to have i.e. mitochondria, ribosomes, cytoplasm, etc.). The dendritic end of the neuron receives the signal, called the action potential, while the the axon terminal sends the signal. Along the axon, there is covering called the myelin sheath which contains cells called schwann cells that are used to support the neuron. In many neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, the myelin sheath is damaged, and the neuron is no longer supported by a sufficient amount of these schwann cells.So what exactly happens in the action potential?
In the action potential, the signal is received by the dendrite, travels down the neuron, and then causes neurotransmitters such as Acetylcholine (ACh) to be released in the synaptic cleft by the synaptic vesicles, or small space in between the presynaptic axon and the dendrite of a postsynaptic cell ( refer to picture on right). The neurotransmitter is then received by postsynaptic receptors. There is a lot of involvement between sodium, potassium, and calcium ions, but I am not going to go over all of that in depth because I would prefer to give you the basic concept and spark your interest rather than trying to type out an entire anatomy class on this post.
In a short version, the neuron is in the resting phase when there is no electric signal. However, when the signal comes along, it enters a phase of depolarization in which the sodium ion channels open and sodium ions enter the axon (refer to picture on right) . It then reaches its action potential, and soon enters the phase of repolarization in which potassium ions open and potassium ions flow out of the axon. Eventually, a resting potential is re-established and the process starts all over again.So there you have it, a basic overview of the neuron. Intriguing stuff right here, huh? If you think so, be sure to check out my post on the blue brain project!
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