Explain the basic function and structure of the neuron in relation to the central nervous system.

Wk 1 assign 6630 | NURS 6630 – Psychopharmacologic Approaches to Treatment of Psychopathology | Walden University

A neuron is a type of cell found in the central nervous system (CNS) that transmits information throughout the body. It is composed of three main parts: dendrites, soma, and axon. Dendrites are branched projections that receive signals from other neurons or environmental stimuli such as light or sound. The soma is the nucleus of the neuron which houses its genetic material and maintains its metabolic activities. Finally, axons serve to transmit electrical impulses down the length of the neuron’s structure for communication with other neurons or organs in the body.

The neuronal impulse begins at the dendrites when an external stimulus causes ions to enter into them. This creates a wave-like depolarization that travels down along the cell membrane towards its soma where it triggers an action potential; an electrical signal generated by voltage-gated ion channels in response to this stimulus. This signal then passes through a synaptic cleft between two neurons and binds to receptors on another neuron’s dendrite causing more ions to enter into it – resulting in another wave-like depolarization which continues until it reaches axon terminals located at either end of each neuron where they form connections with adjacent cells known as synapses.

From here, neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) released by these terminal branches carry information across these synaptic gaps – allowing nerve impulses to travel rapidly throughout your body so you can respond quickly and appropriately to any external or internal stimuli received by your CNS – carrying out critical bodily functions such as movement, sensation, thought processes etcetera. Therefore without neurons functioning properly our bodies would be unable to perform basic operations necessary for everyday life.