Brain Structure Part 2 12032024 105628am

Neurological Basis of
Behavior
Dr. Phil. Hina Ghafoor

Neurons
• The basic functional units of the nervous system; cells which contain
specialized structures to communicate signals.
• It has been estimated that the human brain consists of about 100 billion
neurons, which have unique characteristics.
• A neuron consists of
(1) cell body (soma),
(2) dendrites, and
(3) an axon
• The soma contains the nucleus of the cell, which contains the genes and
chromosomes of the cell. The soma also includes the endoplasmic
reticulum where proteins are synthesized, and the Golgi bodies that
package proteins for transportation via microfilaments to all areas of the
cell.
Neurons
• Dendrites are branchlike processes of the neuron that receive most
electrochemical inputs into a neuron. The multiple thin, treelike fibers
that branch off from a neuron‘s soma and contain receptors to accept
incoming signals from other neurons.
• A long tubular structure in a neuron that transmits action potentials is
called axon. The axon is a process beginning as a slight swell in the
neuron called axon hillock, which provides most electrochemical
output of the neuron.
Neurons
The axons of neurons are covered with a waxy, white substance called
myelin, which speeds up transmission. When axons reach the dendrites
and soma of other neurons, they split into branches that end in small
knobs called terminal buttons (or presynaptic buttons). The terminal
buttons do not actually touch other neurons; in between them is a
microscopic, fluid-filled gap called a synapse.
Neurons
• Communication originates in the soma as an electrical impulse that
travels along the axon ending at the terminal buttons. The electrical
impulse causes the release of neurotransmitters that flow across the
synapse to the next neuron.
• Neurotransmitters are molecules that either excite the receiving
neuron, increasing it‘s potential to transmit a new impulse, or inhibit
the receiving neuron, decreasing it‘s potential to transmit a new
impulse.
Neurons
• Action potential: The electrical impulse sent along an axon when the
dendrites of a neuron are sufficiently excited.
• Neurotransmitter: A specialized chemical messenger which sends
signals between neurons.
• Excitatroy: Describes a neurotransmitter that causes a postsynaptic
neuron to propagate more action potentials.
• Inhibitory: Describes a neurotransmitter that causes a postsynaptic
neuron to propagate fewer action potentials.
Classes of Neurons
• Neurons may be multipolar, and bipolar. Multipolar neurons are the
most common in humans, and have one axon hillock, but have
multiple dendrites originating from the cell body. A bipolar neuron
has one axon and only one primary dendrite, and are typically found
in sensory processes (e.g., vision, olfaction, hearing).
• A neuron with one process (projection) extending from its cell body is
known as unipolar neurons.
• Neurons with a short axon or no axon at all are called interneurons;
their function is to integrate neural activity within a single brain
structure, not to conduct signals from one structure to another.
Glia Cells
• The nervous system also has other cells. In the human brain there are
roughly equal numbers of neurons and glia cells
• One type called neuroglia or simply glia, provide a structural
framework for neurons and are involved in important supportive
metabolic functions for them.
• Glia cells appear to pass nutrients from the blood to the neurons and
to return waste products from the neurons to the blood.
• In this capacity, glia cells probably function as a blood brain barrier,
protecting the delicate neurons from toxins and infectious agents that
may be present in the blood.
Glia Cells
• Oligodendricytes are glial cells with extensions that wrap around the
axons of some neurons of the central nervous system.
• These extensions are rich in myelin, a fatty insulating substance, and
the myelin sheaths they form increase the speed and efficiency
axonal conduction.
• A similar function is performed in the peripheral nervous system by
Schwann cells, a second class of glia.
• Each Shwann cell constitute one myelin segment whereas
oligodendrocytes provide several myelin segments, often on more
than one axon.
• Only Shwann cells can guide axonal regeneration after damage.
Glia Cells
• Microglia, third class of Glia cells, smaller than other glia cells. They
respond to injury site by multiplying, engulfing cellular debris, or even
entire cells and triggering inflammatory responses.
• Astrocytes constitute a fourth class of glia. They are the larger glia
cells and names Astro because of their star shape. The extensions of
astrocytes cover the outer surface of some blood vessels that course
through the brain. These appear to play a role in allowing the passage
of some chemicals from the blood into CNS neurons and in blocking
other chemicals, and they have the ability to contract or relax blood
vessels based on the blood flow demands of particular brain regions.

Brain Structure Part 2 12032024 105628am

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Brain Structure Part 2 12032024 105628am

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Brain Structure Part 2 12032024 105628am

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Neurological Basis of

Dr. Phil. Hina Ghafoor

You might also like