Anatomy of the basic unit of the nervous system
1. In 4 or 5 sentences, describe the anatomy of the basic unit of the nervous system, the neuron. Include each part of the neuron and a general overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse. Be specific and provide examples.
2. Answer the following (listing is acceptable for these questions):
o What are the major components that make up the subcortical structures?
o Which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction?
o What are the two key neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control?
3. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain how glia cells function in the central nervous system. Be specific and provide examples.
4. The synapse is an area between two neurons that allows for chemical communication. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain what part of the neurons are communicating with each other and in which direction does this communication occur? Be specific.
5. In 3–5 sentences, explain the concept of “neuroplasticity.” Be specific and provide examples.
Sample Solution
Anatomy of the neuron: The basic unit of the nervous system is the neuron, which consists of a cell body, an axon, and dendrites. Electrically charged ions travel down the axon to create an electrical impulse that travels along this pathway until it reaches its termination point at a synapse. At this point neurotransmitters are released and cross into adjacent neurons or effectors such as muscles where they bind to receptors that regulate how
these effectors respond. This process results in passing signals throughout the nervous system producing behavior or physiological responses.
Subcortical Structures: Major components include thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia (striatum & nucleus accumbens), brainstem (medulla oblongata) & cerebellum. The hippocampus plays roles in learning and formation/storage of memories while the nucleus accumbens is involved in reward pathways and addiction processes. Two key neurotransmitters located in nigra striatal region that play major role for motor control are dopamine & acetylcholine
Glia Cells: Glial cells make up about 90% of all cells within CNS and act as support cells for neurons by providing insulation for neurons with their myelin sheaths as well providing nutrition through release small molecules from their cytoplasm into extracellular space thus aiding neuronal growth/repair. They also remove debris from injury sites and aid communication between neurons by releasing chemical mediators called gliotransmitters across synapses making them pivotal elements within CNS functions.
Synapse Communication: Synapses are areas between two neurons where chemical communication takes place; one neuron's presynaptic terminal releases neurotransmitters into synaptic cleft which diffuse across gap to postsynaptic receptor on another neuron where they bind to trigger a response within target cell resulting information transferral between these two parts.
Neuroplasticity: Neuroplasticity describes the ability of neural networks in our brains to change based on experiences throughout life allowing us learn new information or develop skills like playing an instrument due to reorganization of neural connections formed from experience-dependent plasticity whereas damage can be repaired by neurogenesis forming new relationships when old ones have been compromised .