.jpg)
The neurone constitutes the functional unit of the nervous system; there are over 100 billion neurones in the brain.[Purves et al., 2008; Martin, 2003; Kandel et al., 2000] Each neurone has the ability to interact with and influence many other cells, which creates a system of intricate complexity.[Purves et al., 2008] There are several different classes of neurones – a simplified neurone is shown on the slide, along with explanations of its various component parts.[Martin, 2003]
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.[Kandel et al., 2000] In this way, nerve cells with similar properties can effect a variety of different functions, depending on how they are interconnected.[Kandel et al., 2000]
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:
Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM (eds). Principles of Neural Science. 4th edition.
McGraw-Hill, 2000.
Martin JH. Neuroanatomy Text and Atlas. 3rd edition. McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al. (eds).
Neuroscience. 4th edition. Sinauer Associates, 2008.
Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary. 2nd edition. ©
Oxford University Press, 1998.
Tortora GJ, Derrickson B. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 12th edition.
John Wiley & Sons, 2009.