Neurons

Neurons are nerve cells, specialised for communication.

Information is transmitted electrically, within a neuron, and chemically, through synapses between neurons.

Neurons connect to each other to form neural networks.

Neurons, or nerve cells, form a vital part of the nervous system, facilitating signal transmission to and from the brain. Distinguished by unique structure and function, the human brain houses around 86 billion neurons.

These neurons can be classified into three main types: sensory neurons, which transmit sensory information to the central nervous system; motor neurons, which carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands; and interneurons, which facilitate communication between other neurons. These different types of neurons work together to enable a wide range of functions, including reflex actions, sensory perception, and the coordination of complex behaviours.

Motor Neurons

•Communicate messages from the CNS to the muscle the organism intends to move.

Sensory Neurons

•Carry sensory information from the body and outside world to the CNS. Generally very long cells.

Interneurons

•Neurons that transmit information between motor and sensory neurons in the CNS.

Whenever you learn something new, your neurons form new connections with other neurons, and a new pathway in the brain is established.  Dendritic branching is the process by which the dendrites of one neuron branch out to establish connections with other neurons. 

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to continue growing and evolving in response to life experiences. Plasticity is the capacity to be shaped, moulded, or altered; neuroplasticity, then, is the ability for the brain to adapt or change over time, by creating new neurons and building new networks.

Historically, scientists believed that the brain stopped growing after childhood. But current research shows that the brain is able to continue growing and changing throughout the lifespan, refining its architecture or shifting functions to different regions of the brain.