Neural communication starts and the dendrites of a neuron as they receive the electrical messages. The signal moves to the cell body and through the axon to the end of the axon. The signal must move across the gap between the receiving neuron and sending neuron called the synapse. The neuron traveling through will signal a neurotransmitter that will be released and travel across the synapse and attach to the receiving neuron in a specific receptor site. The excess neurotransmitters not attached to the receiving neuron with go back to the sending neuron through a process called reuptake. Two things can happen after this process depending on the type of receptor. An excitatory receptor will continue the signal and an inhibitory receptor stops the message.
The impact of neurotransmitters on our body is very large. Functions of neurotransmitters range from movement, emotions, appetite, dreaming, cognitive function, and moods. For example, Acetylcholine is a well-known neurotransmitter that enables muscles to contract and move. Other neurotransmitters have functions such as learning and attention (Dopamine); moods, hunger, sleep (Serotonin); and alertness (Norepinephrine). When neurotransmitters malfunction there are many effects such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, depression, insomnia, and seizures.
The impact of drugs on neural communication is very large. When the brain is given opiates such as heroin and morphine, the brain stop producing its own opiates. Drugs can also affect the neural communication process at the synapse. Agonist drugs excite the neurons’ firing and could prevent the process of reuptake. Antagonist drugs slow down neurotransmitters release.
The nervous system is the fast communication of neurons and information through three types of neurons and the peripheral and central nervous systems. The nervous system has three types on neurons: sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons. The sensory neurons carry information from the body’s organs toward the brain and spinal cord. Interneurons are central nervous system neurons that carry out internal communication. Motor neurons of the central nervous system carry information outward from the brain to the body. The impact of the nervous system is that there is a fast communication of information from the brain to the body.
The peripheral nervous system has two parts known as the somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system controls the movement of the skeletal muscles. The autonomic nervous system is a dual system that controls the glands and muscles of the body’s internal organs. The sympathetic nervous system is a system that arouses the body by accelerating heartbeat, perspiration, raise blood sugar, or many other actions for defense. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, calms the body with the opposite reactions. The impact of the two parts of the autonomic nervous system working together regulates the internal state of the body.
The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord carries information from the peripheral nervous system to the brain as well as motor information from the brain to muscles and glands. The spinal cord is a reflex center. Our reflexes or automatic responses such a jerking or the pain reflexes. The brain receives sensory information from the spinal cord and interprets it. It then decides responses with motor outputs. The brain has neural networks that are connected neural cells that can learn and strengthen neuron connections.
The endocrine system is a second system of body communication. The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete the chemical messengers known as hormones. The endocrine system is like the nervous system but it is very slow. The hormones affect our lives through growth, reproduction, metabolism, and mood. Adrenal glands above the kidneys secrete the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine in time of danger to arouse the body and alert the body. The pituitary gland in the base of the brain is controlled by the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland releases hormones that control growth and the secretion of other hormones. The impact of the endocrine system is that it is very closely related to the nervous system. It creates the feedback system that consists of the brain controlling the pituitary glands releasing hormones and creating other hormones to be released that are in turn taken back to the brain.
--- Amanda
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