Magnificent NEURONS

The central nervous system (CNS) is a happening place, lots of hustle and bustle, 24-7! There’s always BIG ACTION going on, making connections and communicating every split second, nanosecond, zeptosecond — with a range of 100 - 300 miles an hour! Who are these key action figures?
Neurons, that’s who!

Neurons or nerve cells are found all throughout the CNS. They vary in size, shape, function and location. Billions and billions of neurons are found in the brain, brain stem and spinal cord or (CNS). There are 3 main kinds of neurons in the CNS: sensory, motor and relay neurons. Sensory neurons send signals to the CNS regarding touch, smell, sound, taste and light. Motor neurons send signals away from the CNS causing muscle movement. Relay neurons mostly assist with the back-and-forth communication of the other two types of neurons.

A second type of brain cell is called a glial cell. The glial cells work at helping the neurons. They act like
glue holding the neurons together and cleaners who filter out the debris—clearing out old neurons.

Here’s an example of some neurons at work. A fly heads straight for one’s eye - INSTANTLY – A WARNING goes off, a message is sent to the brain from the eye—within a split second (really less) – the eyelashes go to work, protecting the eye from the pest AND the hand goes up to shoo it away. Together eye-hand coordination saves the day-or in this case a blurry red-eye. This quick reaction happens automatically.
YAY, NEURONS!

Neurons firing or communicating takes place quickly. The exchange is in the space between the neurons and is called a synapse. It’s an extremely interesting messaging system that occurs in the gap. An electrical or chemical charge “shoots” through the length of the neuron, beginning at its dendrites and ending at its axon terminal. It fires off to another neuron making the synapse connection.
Snap, Crackle, Pop!