Neurons
Definition
Neurons are specialized cells in our nervous system that transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells. They are the basic working units of the brain.
Analogy
Neurons are like messengers on a super-fast delivery service. They carry important messages (electrical signals) from one part of your body to another in order to keep everything running smoothly.
Related terms
Synapse: This is the junction between two neurons where information is transferred from one neuron to another.
Neurotransmitters: These are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron.
Axon: This is a long slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.
"Neurons" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (10)
What is the process by which neurons become more or less sensitive to specific stimuli based on prior experience, which can be used to explain perceptual learning and sensory adaptation?
What are the small gaps between neurons where communication occurs called?
Which psychological approach would critique the role of neurons as deterministic in human behavior?
What would be a primary criticism from a behaviorist concerning biopsychology's emphasis on neurons and the nervous system?
How did our perception evolve regarding neurons' ability to regenerate after injury?
How do neurons resemble sociological networks?
Why might the suggestion that neurons only communicate through synapses, widely accepted in neuroscience, be considered incomplete?
What chemical messengers cross the synaptic gaps between neurons?
In what way is the process of synaptic transmission in neurons analogous to binary language used in computing?
What type of neurons are responsible for reflexes?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.