Psychologists have described the human nervous system as the communication and c

Question

Psychologists have described the human nervous system as the communication and control center for the body. The nervous system allows us to take in information from the environment, communicate the information to different parts of the body, and coordinate the body's response. The nervous system itself is made up of neurons, or nerve cells, that communicate with each other by receiving and transmitting electrochemical signals, called neurotransmission. All human behavior is made possible by the activity of individual neurons working together in the nervous system. Think about a simple action you do every day, like answering your phone. When you perform this routine act, what are the individual neurons in your nervous system doing to make it possible? In a multi-paragraph essay, explain how the activity of individual neurons enables you to perform a simple action like answering your phone. Be sure to describe the main parts of a neuron, explain the unique function of each part, and describe how neurons use electrochemical signals for neurotransmission. Include details from class materials, readings, and research on the nervous system to support your discussion.

Explanation / Answer

The nervous system is divided into central nervous system(CNS) and peripheral nervous system(PNS). CNS includes brain and spinalcord and it carries out sensory, motor and integration of data.The PNS is vast network of spinal and cranial nerves which are linked to brain and spinal cord.The information is sent to CNS via afferent sensory nerves.

Neurons are also called nerve cells and the main parts of neurons are dendrites,axons and axon terminals.They carry out the functions of communication and integration.Neuron also contains cell body or soma which carries out basic life processes.Simple actions like answering a phone call is a result of coordinated activity of billions of neurons sending signals to each other.

Neurons communicate by sending electrical signals throughout the body.Dendrite is one side of the neuron and it is an arm that reaches out and accept signals from other neurons.The signal enters through the dendrite and then passes through the neuron to the next part.Axon os on opposite side of neuron.It is an arm with multiple arms branching off from it like a tree.The axon transmits signal from one neuron to the next neuron.Synapse is the space between the two neurons and when a signal leaves a neuron,it goes through the axon,passes across the synapse and then crosses into dendrite.Therefore,this space is very important for communication.

When the neurotransmitter is activated,it is moved down through the synaptic gap.The neurotransmitter molecules then attach to the receptors on the dendrite.If sufficient receptors are activated,The dendrite is activated and the elecrical impulses are sent down through the dendrite to the body of neuron containing the information.This is a repeated process.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse P
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.