Cellular Organization of the Nervous System

Nervous System Overview

• Involved in communication, particularly rapid communication.

• Transmission occurs via electrical signals called action potentials.

Neurons

• Primary cells of the nervous system involved in communication.

• Structure of a Neuron:

• Similar to other cells with standard organelles and a cell body.

• Dendrites:

  • Extensions from the cell membrane that receive incoming information.

  • Act as communication endpoints for incoming signals.

• Axon:

  • Transmits electrical impulses from the cell body to other cells.

  • Action potentials travel along the axon toward the synaptic terminals.

  • Ends in telodendria, which branch out and culminate in synaptic terminals.

Action Potentials

• Generated at the axon hillock (initial segment of the axon).

• Important for the propagation of electrical signals and communication between cells.

Myelin Sheath

• Present in some neurons, not all.

• Created by oligodendrocytes, which wrap around the axon.

• Provides electrical insulation, accelerating the transmission of action potentials.

• Allows for faster communication between neurons due to insulation capacity.