Nervous System: Review

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Nervous System: Conduction

  • Types of neurons: Unipolar, bipolar, multipolar, and pseudo-unipolar. The nervous system is considered the master controller of the body. It forms a vast network of communication throughout the body to transmit information quickly. The nervous system has three overlapping functions including sensory input, integration, and motor output.
  • The main hub of information is the central nervous system which consists of the brain and spinal cord (be sure to go back and review the structures of the CNS). It sends messages to and receives messages from the peripheral nervous system. The PNS creates common pathways for electrochemical signals to and from the CNS (be sure to go back and review the structures of the PNS). The PNS can be further divided into the sensory (afferent) division that sends signals to the CNS and the motor (efferent) division that receive signals from the CNS. The nerves of the efferent division can be separated into the autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
  • The basic functional unit of the nervous system is the neuron. These cells specialize in carrying electrochemical messages throughout the body. Be sure to go back and review the Structure of a Typical Neuron learning object. The nervous system is also supported by cells known as neuroglia. These cells have four main functions: surround and hold neurons in place, supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons, insulate neurons, and destroy pathogens and remove dead neurons.
  • Nerves convey information through the transfer of an electrochemical impulse known as an action potential. Action potentials are created by a difference in charge caused by the movement of ions inside and outside of the neuron's cell membrane. Once a signal reaches the gap between two neurons called a synapse information can either be transferred by chemical means (neurotransmitters) or electrical means (gap junctions).

 

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