Neurones

The neurone constitutes the functional unit of the nervous system; there are over 100 billion neurones in the brain.^[1,2,5] Each neurone has the ability to interact with and influence many other cells, which creates a system of intricate complexity.^[5] There are several different classes of neurones – a simplified neurone is shown on the slide, along with explanations of its various component parts.^[1]

Although there are different types of nerve cells, the complexities of human behaviour stem not from the specialism of different types of neurones, but rather from the association of a great many neurones into coherent, and precise, anatomical circuits.^[2] In this way, nerve cells with similar properties can effect a variety of different functions, depending on how they are interconnected.^[2]

Neurotransmitters – chemicals in the nervous system that transmit nerve impulses between neurones.
Action potential – in neurophysiology, an electrical charge that moves through an axon.

References:

[1] Martin JH. Neuroanatomy Text and Atlas. 3rd edition. McGraw-Hill, 2003.

[2] Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM (eds). Principles of Neural Science. 4th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2000.

[3] Tortora GJ, Derrickson B. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 12th edition. John Wiley & Sons, 2009.

[4] Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary. 2nd edition. © Oxford University Press, 1998.

[5] Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al. (eds). Neuroscience. 4th edition. Sinauer Associates ,2008.