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NEURONS
The neuron is the basic element/unit of the
nervous system, a special nerve tissue which
serves a special function. Only neurons have the
specialized ability to transmit nerve impulses.
There are no other structures in the body which can
perform this function of receiving and transmitting
information to and from the brain. Each neuron is a
living cell and has three distinct parts: the
dendrites, the cell body, and the axon.
DENDRITES
They are found at the end of the cell
body. A cell neuron may have more than one
dendrite. They are fine and tiny hairlike
structures that branch out to look like branches
of a tree. They are the receiving ends of the
neuron and receive information inputs
from the environment or from other cells.
This transmission of nerve impulses within a
neuron is electrical in nature and is called
axonal transmissions.
AXON
There is only one axon in a neuron. The
axon is another distinct part of the neuron which
found at its other end. It is an elongated strand
with one or more formations at its far end. This
formations is called end brush or axon terminal.
Some axons are short while others are long, the
A. BRAIN
-mass of nerve tissue
-protected by membranes and the cranium or
skull
Functions:
1. It receives sensory information about the external
world and may issue motor commands in response to
this information.
2. It maintains and controls vital internal bodily
functions, such as circulation, digestion and the
maintenance of body temperature.
3. It controls muscular movements.
4. It stores memories.
5. It provides emotions.
Three Major Divisions of the Brain
a. HINDBRAIN the lowest part of the brain,
located at the rear base of the skull. It consists
of the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.
Medulla it is responsible for controlling
heartbeat and breathing. It controls the muscles
that are used in such vital activities of the body
like chewing, swallowing, sneezing, coughing
and salivation.
Reticular formation, is a latticelike network of
nerve cells that can be found within the medulla
which directly controls a persons state of
arousal, sleep-waking cycle. A damage to it can
result in an almost permanent coma.
Pons a bundle of nerve fibers that connect
both hemispheres of the cerebellum. It
transmits neural impulses toward and downward