Understanding the Nervous System

Role of the Nervous System

• Helps to sense things around us.

Neuron: The Basic Building Block

• Also known as the nerve cell.
• Responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information.

Components of a Neuron

1. Cell Body (Soma)
   • Contains cytoplasm and nucleus.
   • Cytoplasm
   • Nucleus
2. Dendrites
   • Short projections or extensions from the cell body.
   • Responsible for picking up impulses from receptors and passing them to the cell body.
3. Axon
   • Long, thread-like projection.
   • Covered by an insulating and protective myelin sheath.
   • Myelin Sheath: Made up of fats and proteins.

Transmission of Nerve Impulses

• Neurons carry messages in the form of electrical signals called nerve impulses.
• Impulses travel from dendrites to cell body, along the axon, and are passed to another neuron through a synapse.
• Eventually, impulses are delivered to the brain or spinal cord.