Lecture Notes: Understanding Neurons

Introduction

• The 10th video dedicated to explaining neurons.
• Neurons are nerve cells that transmit electrical impulses in the body.
• The human brain has approximately 86 billion neurons that communicate signals between the brain and the body.

Structure of Neurons

• Axon

  • Responsible for transmitting electrical signals to other nerve cells.
  • Signals typically end at organs or muscles.

• Dendrites

  • Structures that receive signals from other nerve cells or organs.
  • Electrical signals travel from dendrites through the cell body.

• Cell Body

  • Contains the nucleus, which holds genetic material and regulates growth and development of the nerve cell.

• Myelin Sheath

  • Present in some neurons; affects the speed of electrical signal transmission.
  • Signals can travel as fast as 120 meters per second in myelinated neurons.

Signal Transmission

• Action Potential

  • Initiated by the brain to trigger movement (e.g., moving the thumb).

• Nerves

  • Bundles of neurons that facilitate communication.

• Synapse

  • The gap between two nerve cells.

• Neurotransmitters

  • Chemical messengers that facilitate signal conduction between neurons.
  • Released into the synapse and help generate an action potential in the next nerve cell.

Summary of the Transmission Process

1. Action potential travels down the axon of the first neuron.
2. Neurotransmitters are released into the synapse.
3. These neurotransmitters generate an action potential in the next neuron.
4. This process continues until the signal reaches the target muscle (e.g., thumb).

Conclusion

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