1. In 4 or 5 sentences, describe the anatomy of the basic unit of the nervous system, the neuron. Include each part of the neuron and a general overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse. Be specific and provide examples.
2. Answer the following (listing is acceptable for these questions):
-What are the major components that make up the subcortical structures?
-Which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction?
-What are the two key neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control?
3. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain how glia cells function in the central nervous system. Be specific and provide examples.
4. The synapse is an area between two neurons that allows for chemical communication. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain what part of the neurons are communicating with each other and in which direction does this communication occur? Be specific.
5. In 35 sentences, explain the concept of neuroplasticity. Be specific and provide examples.
Nervous System Short Answers
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course
Instructor’s Name
Date
Nervous System Short Answers
Introduction
The brain is a complicated body organ that acts as an engine of the human body. The brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system and control almost everybody’s functions (Pedraza, 2019). Neurons are fundamental units (basic cells) of the brain and the nervous system responsible for sensory output and input across different body parts. In that regard, this paper provides a detailed discussion about the human brain.
The Anatomy of the Neuron
The human brain has numerous neurons responsible for coordinating information to different parts of the body. The neuron has three main components: the dendrite, the axon, and the cell body (Pedraza, 2019). The dendrite receives the impulses from the rest of the body. The cell body contains the nucleus and genetic material of the neuron. The axon carries away impulses from the cell body; it is the transmitting part of the neuron.
Major Components of the Subcortical Structures according to Vaskovic (2021)
- Diencephalon
- Pituitary gland
- Limbic structures
- Basal ganglia.
Components responsible for learning, memory, and addiction
The limbic system is responsible for addiction, memory, and learning. The amygdala is responsible for learning based on reward or punishment (Vaskovic, 2021). The amygdala is also responsible for addiction. The hippocampus helps in the formation of new memories regarding past experiences.
The Two Main Neurotransmitters in the Nigra Striatal Region of the Brain
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) helps individuals improve mood, relieve anxiety, and manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Dopamine helps people feel pleasure as part of the brain’s reward system.
How Glia Cells Function in the Central Nervous System
Glial cells are non-neural and usually found within the central and peripheral nervous systems. Glial cells provide both metabolic and physical support to the neuron (Carter et al., 2019). The support includes but is not limited to neural insulation, transportation of nutrients and wastes, and neural communication.
Parts of the neurons communicating with each other and the direction of their communication
The two parts of the neurons communicate with the dendrite and the axon. While the dendrite is the receiving end, the axon is the transmitting part of the neuron. Commination occurs from dendrite to axon terminal (Carter et al., 2019). Dendrites receive synaptic inputs from axons, a process called synaptic transmission.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is perceived as an umbrella term that refers to the ability of the brain to change its structure and functions and adapt the changes in response to both the extrinsic and the intrinsic stimuli. Neuroplasticity plays a significant role in brain development during childhood (Carter et al., 2019). The process is also essential for brain recovery flowing injuries. One example of neuroplasticity is axonal sprouting, which involves fine nerves growing to new nerve endings to replace the damaged ones. Axonal sprouting helps sustain the nerve supply in the brain. Neuroplasticity may also contribute to impairment. For instance, deaf people may experience a continual ringing in their ears due to the rewiring of brain cells starved for sound (Carter et al., 2019). Neurons only form beneficial connections if they are correctly stimulated.
Conclusion
There are several billions of neurons in the human brain. Neurons have three major parts: the dendrites, the axon, and the cell body. Each part of the neuron has a unique role in ensuring the cells’ effective functioning. Neuroplasticity helps the brain adapt to new changes triggered by internal and external factors.
References
Carter, R., Aldridge, S., Page, M., & Parker, S. (2019). The human brain book. DK Publishing.
Pedraza, O. (2019). Clinical cultural neuroscience. An integrative approach to cross-cultural neuropsychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.