What Are Neurons

What are Neurons?
Neurons are the basic building blocks of the brain and the nervous
system. They are specialized cells that transmit information through
electrical and chemical signals.
Structure of a Neuron
1 Cell Body 2 Axon

The central part containing the The long, slender projection that
nucleus and other organelles. conducts electrical impulses away
from the cell body.
Pre- synaptic
3 Dendrites 4 terminal
Branch-like extensions that receive signals
from other cells.
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Functions of Neurons
1 2 3
Sensory Input Integration Motor Output

Neurons gather information Neurons process the Neurons generate signals to
from the external and information they receive. effector cells and organs.
internal environment.
Neuronal Communication
1 Reception
Neurons receive signals from sensory receptors or other neurons.
2 Integration
Signals are processed and interpreted in the cell body.
3 Transmission
Signal is passed along the axon to reach the next neuron.
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Action Potential
1 Initiation 2 Propagation 3 Restoration
Change in electrical Transmission of the Return to the resting
potential, leading to a electrical signal along state after the signal
rapid spike. the neuron's transmission.
membrane.
Synaptic Transmission
Synaptic Cleft Neurotransmitters
The small gap between the axon Chemicals that carry signals across the
terminal and the dendrite of the next synaptic cleft.
neuron.
Reuptake
s Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA Process where neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the neuron that released them.
Neurotransmitters Functions of Neurotransmitters
• Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in muscle contraction,

memory formation, and cognitive functions.
• Dopamine: Regulates movement, motivation, pleasure,

and emotional arousal. It plays a role in addiction,
reward, and reinforcement pathways.
• Serotonin: Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. It's

also involved in memory and learning.
• Norepinephrine (noradrenaline): Affects arousal,

attention, and mood regulation. It's involved in the
"fight or flight" response.
• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): Acts as an

inhibitory neurotransmitter, reducing neuronal
excitability. It helps regulate anxiety and stress
responses.
Types of Neurons
On the basis of structure On the basis of function
• Multipolar • Sensory
• Unipolar • Motor
• Bipolar • Interneurons
• Pseudo-unipolar
On the basis of structure
Multipolar Neurons Unipolar Neurons Bipolar Neurons
Multipolar neurons are a type of Unipolar neurons have a Bipolar neurons are a type of
neuron that have multiple single long axon that is neuron that send signals and
dendrites and a single axon. responsible for sending receive information from the
These neurons can receive electrical signals. The axon world. They have two
impulses from multiple neurons in unipolar neurons is processes, one dendrite and
via dendrites. The dendrites myelinated, which allows for one axon, extending from
transmit the signals through the rapid signal transmission. opposite ends of the cell body.
neuron via an electrical signal
that is spread down the axon.
Continue
Pseudo-Unipolar Neurons
Pseudo-unipolar neurons have a

single process that splits into two
branches, resembling a T-shape.
One branch receives signals from
the skin and muscles, while the
other branch transmits the signals
to the spinal cord
On the basis of Functions
Sensory Motor Neurons Inter-neurons

Neurons
Activate by sensory input from the Also called effect neuron Transmits signals between
environment and carries nerve and carries signals from sensory and motor neurons
impulses toward the central the central nervous system within the central nervous
nervous system and brain. to muscles and glands to system, playing a key role in
initiate action. reflexes, learning, and other
intricate processes.
Glia Cells
Type of cell that provides physical and

chemical support to neurons and maintain
their environment. Located in the central
nervous system and peripheral nervous
system, glial cells are sometimes called
the "glue" of the nervous system, as well
as neuroglia or just glia.
Types of Glia Cells
Astrocytes Microglia Oligodendrocytes

Astrocytes remove waste Very small cells, also
material created when neuron removes waste material Specialized cells in brain
die and control amount of as well as fungi, virus, or and spinal cord which
blood flow to each brain area other microorganisms make myeline sheaths.
In effect, they function as
a part of immune system.
Continue
Schwann Cells Radial Glia

These cells are found in Radial glia guide the migration of
periphery of the body and neurons, their axons, dendrites,
specialized types of glia during embryonic development.
cells which build myelin When the embryonic development
sheaths for PNS finishes, most radial glia
differentiate into neurons and a
smaller number differentiate into
astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
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Presented By: Jeevisha Gangwar & Shreyas Vetal

What Are Neurons

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What are Neurons?

1 Cell Body 2 Axon

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Sensory Input Integration Motor Output

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

• Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in muscle contraction,

• Dopamine: Regulates movement, motivation, pleasure,

• Serotonin: Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. It's

• Norepinephrine (noradrenaline): Affects arousal,

• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): Acts as an

On the basis of structure On the basis of function

Multipolar Neurons Unipolar Neurons Bipolar Neurons

Pseudo-unipolar neurons have a

Sensory Motor Neurons Inter-neurons

Type of cell that provides physical and

Astrocytes Microglia Oligodendrocytes

Schwann Cells Radial Glia

Presented By: Jeevisha Gangwar & Shreyas Vetal

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