Understanding Nerves and Neurons
Did you know that there are approximately 86 billion neurons in your brain! And what do they do? They’re the reason why your brain transmits information to other organs of the body. They’re connected with other neurons to allow the brain to think, act, and perform all activities. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand nerves and neurons:
What is a Neuron?
They’re cells within the nervous system; a neuron is the most basic building block of the brain. While they may seem similar to other cells in the body, there’s one primary difference- neurons transmit information within the body. This is done through chemical and electrical impulses. And unlike other body cells, they do not reproduce after birth, but create new connections. There are more than 10,000 different types of neurons, but by a general classification, you can divide them into three categories, sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.
Sensory Neurons
Sensory neurons communicate with the central nervous system by responding to touch, sight, hearing, taste, smell, etc. They send information from the skin, eyes, ears, nose, and tongue.
Motor Neurons
Motor neurons are responsible for involuntary muscle functions like the beating of the heart, passage of food, breathing, etc.
Interneurons
Interneurons are found in the central nervous system and connect the sensory and motoneurons. They send information between these neurons.
Parts of a Neuron
A neuron is made up three parts, viz. the cell body or soma, dendrites (aka signal receivers), and an axon. The cell body has a nucleus with at least one nucleolus and many cytoplasmic organelles. Dendrites are extensions that send and receive signals from other neurons. While some cells have few dendrites, other cells have highly branched dendrites to help them receive information. Axons also take information from other cells in the body. When in a bundle, they are called nerves. The longest axon in the body runs for around 3 feet- from the bottom of the spine to the toe.
Synapses, Neurotransmitters, and more
Cells when connecting with one another are called synapses. As mentioned earlier, neurons communicate using electrical impulses and chemical messengers. Once an electrical impulse reaches the end of the axon, a message is transmitted to the dendrite of an adjoining neuron. Sometimes this impulse is instantly transmitted, and sometimes, this is done through neurotransmitters. Scientists have identified around 100 such neurotransmitters, including endorphins, dopamine, and acetylcholine.
Common Neurological Disorders
Although there are more than 600 neurological ailments, the most common among them are:
Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia and Disorders Affecting Memory Functions: These are neurodegenerative diseases that affect a person’s memory and causes problems with thinking and behavior.
Migraines: A migraine refers to an intense headache that can cause nausea, sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, etc. While scientists do not know what could trigger a migraine, some of the causes could include irregularities in the brain’s blood vessels.
Parkinson’s: Parkinson’s is a motor system disorder resulting from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons.
Keeping Your Brains Healthy: With a little effort, you can keep your mind fit and active. Learn a new language. Take up a new hobby. Eat a healthy diet. Keep a Rubik’s cube. Stay connected with family and friends.
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
Skin Tags - Benign Tumor or Cancerous Tumor?
Skin tag if observed is a narrow stalk that hangs about your skin, bulging at the end. They are usually freshly colored and can grow anywhere on your body.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a rotator cuff injury that can cause shoulder pain and loss of arm function. The rotator cuff is a set of muscles and tendons in your shoulder.
Importance of Parental Counselling
Right from the moment you tell your friends and family about your pregnancy, little hints keep coming your way on parenting your unborn child!
Taking Care of a Terminal Patient? Here Are Six Ways to Help Them to the Fullest
A terminally ill patient is someone who has a relatively short life expectancy. Terminally ill people are usually shifted from an actively curative medicinal regime
Stages of Tooth Decay and Their Treatment Options
Tooth decay refers to the degradation process of the structure of the tooth resulting in permanent damage.
12 Home Remedies for Dry Cough
The flu, common cold, asthma, cigarette smoke exposure, and other conditions can all cause a dry cough. Home remedies such as honey, peppermint, and air purifiers may be beneficial.
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation occurs when the bones of your shoulder joint are pushed or forced out of their normal positions.
5 Facts to Keep in Mind for Your Monthly Menstruation Cycle
Our menstruation indicates multiple activities within your body. Every month, your uterus forms a thicker lining for the ovary to release an egg for a possible pregnancy.
Different Types of Diabetes
Junk food and increasing physical activity are leading to a worldwide epidemic of obesity, resulting in diseases like diabetes
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a form of heart muscle illness in which the heart chambers (ventricles) weaken and stretch, becoming bigger.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the blood flow against the inner walls of the arteries is persistently high.
3 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures You Did Not Know About
Over the past few years, cosmetic dentistry has undergone significant evolution in society. With the increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry, it is no longer a luxury; it has become a necessity.
5 Lifestyle Changes That Will Help with Your Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence is quite a painful and embarrassing condition to have. It refers to the loss of bladder control, which can vary from a slight release of urine after sneezing, coughing, or laughing, to a complete inability to control urination.
5 Tips This Summer to Avoid Heatstroke
Certain jobs demand fieldwork in the scorching heat. The warm weather, bright sun, and the blue skies are not always an excellent working environment for them at all.
6 Home Remedies for Yeast and Vaginal Infections
Yeast infection is common among women. You might have had the experience of irritating soreness and itching that prolonged for days due to not knowing about the cause.
Aortic Dissection
An aortic dissection is a tear in the aorta. This is the primary artery that transports oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is performed on individuals suffering from obesity. It involves a variety of procedures that help maintain long-term weight loss and also aid in treating obesity.
Best Foods to Cleanse Your Liver
Your liver is one of the largest organs in your body and its primary function is to filter the system by converting toxins to waste products, cleansing your blood and process various nutrients.
Infertility and its Major Causes and Treatments
Infertility is an issue that’s on the rise – not just in India but all over the world. It’s estimated that, on average, one out of every six couples has had issues with infertility.
Precautions to be Taken to Avoid Eosinophilia
Let’s begin with talking about eosinophils – they are just a type of white blood cells that are laden with reactive chemicals which get released under specific conditions to cause mayhem in the body
What is BMD Assessment and its Significance in Treating Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is that creepy monster lurking in the dark, waiting to manifest itself as you age and get less active.
Signs of Testicular Cancer
Men have a pair of testicles located in a sac-like pouch called the scrotum. It forms part of their reproductive system and are responsible for sperm production.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stone
Your kidneys are very important organs in the body; they regulate water content, filter waste from blood, and produce hormones.
Treatment For Liver Failure
Treatment for liver failure depends largely on the causative agent; for example of it’s due to hepatitis virus infection, then hydration and supportive care needs to be provided while the body’s immune system fights back. If it’s due to gallstones,
Related Blogs
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
Skin Tags - Benign Tumor or Cancerous Tumor?
Skin tag if observed is a narrow stalk that hangs about your skin, bulging at the end. They are usually freshly colored and can grow anywhere on your body.