The human body is a complex system, in which many individual blocks and components take part. Outwardly, the device of the body is seen as elementary and even primitive. However, if you look deeper and try to identify patterns according to which the interaction between different organs occurs, the nervous system will come to the fore. The neuron, which is the main functional unit of this structure, acts as a transmitter of chemical and electrical impulses. Despite the resemblance to other cells, it performs more complex and responsible tasks, the support of which is important for the psychophysical activity of a person. To understand the features of this receptor, it is worthwhile to understand its structure, principles of work and tasks.
What are neurons?
A neuron is a specialized cell that is able to receive and process information in the process of interaction with other structurally functional units of the nervous system. The amount of these receptors in the brain is 10 11 (one hundred billion). Moreover, one neuron can contain more than 10 thousand synapses - sensitive endings through which intercellular contacts occur . Considering that these elements can be considered as blocks capable of storing information, it can be concluded that the human brain can contain huge amounts of information. Also called a neuron is a structural unit of the nervous system that provides the sensory organs. That is, this cell should be considered as a multifunctional element designed to solve various problems.
Neural Cell Features
If we compare the structure of neurons with other cells, then you can find many common features. However, in terms of functionality, development and principles of work, these are unique elements of the human body. The main feature of neurons is that immediately after birth, their cells stop reproducing. This explains the fact that, as they grow older, the number of receptors can decrease in some parts of the brain. True, certain types of neurons after birth can significantly increase new connections, which increases their functional activity. There are also features in the structure. The fact is that the work of a neural cell is initially focused on communication tasks. For this reason, its device provides several special processes responsible for receiving and transmitting signals.
The structure of neurons
The basis of the cell is the body, inside of which there is an organelle and a nucleus covered with special pores. The cell processes represented by axons and dendrites deserve special attention. Each neuron has a complex and developed cytoskeleton that penetrates the processes. This element helps to maintain the shape of the cell and at the same time performs the task of transferring organelles in neurotransmitters. Each cell has such a structure, but they all differ in size. For example, the body of a neuron can be in diameter from 3 to 130 microns. Also, nerve receptors can vary in the number of processes. Some instances, for example, have several dendrites, while on others entire branches are found that facilitate the reception of more information. The same applies to axons, which vary in length.
Neuron formation process
Each neuron had a progenitor cell, in which division stopped even before the first processes began to emerge. However, the features of this process have so far been little studied. According to many researchers, the axon appears first, followed by the formation of dendrites. At the end of the forming process, a thickening occurs, which subsequently paves the "rails" in the surrounding tissue. It is important to remember here what neurons in the nervous system are. This is a small structural and functional unit, the value of which is determined precisely by the shoots. Outwardly, such branches resemble forests of thin spines with a thickness of about 0.2 microns. In this case, the length of the microchip can reach 50 microns. The gaps between such processes are filled with a folded membrane.
Neuron Tasks
There are several functions that neurons perform. In particular, sensory cells are sensitive to various stimuli. Such receptors are present in the skin, tongue, muscles, etc. Cells of this type allow a person to feel pain, temperature changes, pressure, as well as tastes and smells. However, for a full understanding of what neurons are and why they are needed, one should take into account not only reactions to stimuli. In addition to sensory cells, there are motor neurons that stimulate the muscles of the body. There is another important group of receptors that acts as a connecting link between motor and sensory cells. These are interneurons that form the central nervous system.
Types of Neurons
The main classification involves the separation of neurons according to the structural feature. In particular, scientists distinguish non-axon, pseudo-unipolar, unipolar, multipolar and bipolar neurons. It must be said that some of these species are still poorly understood. This applies to axon-free cells that group together in the spinal cord. Disputes are also underway regarding unipolar neurons. There are opinions that such cells are not at all present in the human body. If we talk about which neurons prevail in the body of higher beings, then multipolar receptors will come to the fore. These are cells that have a network of dendrites and one axon. We can say that this is a classic neuron that is most often found in the nervous system.
Conclusion
Neural cells are an integral part of the human body. Thanks to these receptors, the daily functioning of hundreds and thousands of chemical transmitters in the human body is ensured. At the present stage of development, science provides an answer to the question of what neurons are, but at the same time leaves room for future discoveries. For example, today there are different opinions regarding some of the nuances of the work, growth and development of cells of this type. But in any case, the study of neurons is one of the most important tasks of neurophysiology. Suffice it to say that new discoveries in this area can shed light on more effective ways to treat many mental illnesses. In addition, a deep understanding of the principles of neurons will allow you to develop tools that stimulate mental activity and improve memory in the new generation.