#Dendrite function detailed full

The first subsection, “Resting Membrane Potential,” describes what occurs in a neuron at rest, when it is theoretically not receiving or sending signals. While the electrochemical process might sound intimidating, it will be broken down into digestible sections. Once we have reviewed this fundamental framework, the remainder of the module will focus on the electrochemical signals through which neurons communicate. This seminal work paved the pathway to our current understanding of the basic structure of the nervous system described in this module (for review see: De Carlos & Borrell, 2007 Grant, 2007).īefore moving forward, there will be an introduction to some basic terminology regarding the anatomy of neurons in the section called “The Structure of the Neuron,” below. Despite their scientific disagreement, Cajal and Camillo Golgi shared the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1906 for their combined contribution to the advancement of science and our understanding of the structure of the nervous system. Camillo Golgi himself had been an avid supporter of Gerlach’s theory. This was in opposition to the dominant theory at the time proposed by Joseph von Gerlach, which stated that the nervous system was composed of a continuous network of nerves (for review see, Lopez-Munoz, Boya, & Alamo, 2006). Based on his observation of Golgi-stained tissue, Cajal suggested neurons were distinguishable processing units rather than continuous structures. This significantly enhanced our appreciation of the intricate networks their processes form.

#Dendrite function detailed full

These qualities allowed Cajal to examine the full anatomical structure of individual neurons for the first time. A more notable characteristic of a Golgi stain is that it only stains approximately 1–2% of neurons ( Pasternak & Woolsey, 1975 Smit & Colon, 1969), permitting the observer to distinguish one cell from another. In contrast, a Golgi stain fills the cell body and all the processes that extend outward from it (see right panel of Figure 1). For example, a very common Nissl stain labels only the main part of the cell (i.e., the cell body see left and middle panels of Figure 1). Each stain works in a unique way, which causes them to look differently when viewed under a microscope. Scientists use several types of stains to visualize cells. He based his conclusion on the numerous drawings he made of Golgi-stained tissue, a stain named after the scientist who discovered it, Camillo Golgi. Ramón y Cajal (1911) boldly concluded that discrete individual neurons are the structural and functional units of the nervous system.

Our journey in answering these questions begins more than 100 years ago with a scientist named Santiago Ramón y Cajal. Right: Golgi-stained cortex of a 1 1/2 month old infant. Middle: Nissl-stained motor cortex of a human adult. Left: Nissl-stained visual cortex of a human adult. Three drawings by Santiago Ramón y Cajal, taken from 'Comparative study of the sensory areas of the human cortex', pages 314, 361, and 363. Have you ever seen a neuron? Did you know that the basic structure of a neuron is similar whether it is from the brain of a rat or a human? How do the billions of neurons in our brain allow us to do all the fun things we enjoy, such as texting a friend, cheering on our favorite sports team, or laughing? Figure 1. Much like words, brain cells, called neurons, have an underlying structure that provides the foundation for their functional purpose. In a similar fashion, to appreciate how groups of cells work together in a meaningful way in the brain as a whole, we must first understand how individual cells in the brain function. Imagine trying to string words together into a meaningful sentence without knowing the meaning of each word or its function (i.e., Is it a verb, a noun, or an adjective?). Explain features of axonal and synaptic communication in neurons.Define resting membrane potential, excitatory postsynaptic potentials, inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, and action potentials.

Describe how the forces of diffusion and electrostatic pressure work collectively to facilitate electrochemical communication.Differentiate the functional roles between the two main cell classes in the brain, neurons and glia.