Neuron Communication and the Nervous System
The fundamental components of the nervous system, neurons, connect through a mechanism known as synaptic transmission. Information can be transmitted, and many bodily functions can be coordinated thanks to this communication. The process involves the dendrites, cell body (soma), axon, and synaptic terminals, among other essential components of a neuron (Durkee & Araque, 2019).
Basic Structure of a Neuron in Signal Transmission
The dendrites, the branch-like extensions that receive incoming signals, are where a neuron typically receives a signal from another neuron (Luo, 2021). These messages go in the direction of the cell body as electrical impulses known as action potentials. An action potential is produced in the cell body if the incoming impulses are powerful enough and above a particular threshold.
After that, the electrical impulse is carried by the axon. This transmission is made possible by myelin, which hastens action potential propagation (Luo, 2021). Neurotransmitters are released at the terminal ends of axons in response to the arrival of an action potential (Luo, 2021). These chemical messengers are released in the synaptic cleft. As they go through the synapse, neurotransmitters bind to specific receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron, the receiving cell.
Neuronal Communication in Response to a Sudden Threat
When one touches the hot pot, the skin’s sensory neurons sense the heat and transmit action potentials to the spinal cord, where they connect with motor neurons. Action potentials are produced by the motor neurons as a result of the sensory neurons’ discharge of excitatory neurotransmitters onto them (Durkee & Araque, 2019). These action potentials travel via the motor neurons and reach them, causing one’s muscles to contract uncontrollably.
Neuronal Communication During Voluntary Movement
In the second example of witnessing something scary, neurons in the eyes process the visual cues and send the information to the brain. These impulses are transmitted to several areas in the brain, including the amygdala (Luo, 2021). The amygdala’s neurons receive excitatory inputs from other neurons and release chemicals that have an impact on different regions of the brain. The fight-or-flight response may be triggered by this amygdala activation, which can cause the production of stress hormones and affect behavior by causing one to experience dread and be more watchful.
References
Durkee, C. A., & Araque, A. (2019). Diversity and specificity of astrocyte–neuron communication. Neuroscience, 396, 73-78. Web.
Luo, L. (2021). Architectures of neuronal circuits. Science, 373(6559), 72-85. Web.