What are Neurons and How are They Formed?
A neuron is a nerve cell that sends and receives chemical and electrical information to and from other neurons. Neurons are the backbone of the central nervous system which is responsible for your every thought and movement.
Neurons are connected via special connections known as synapses which send chemical signals between the various neurons. Neurons which inter-connect form neural networks to relay information around the brain and the body.
Our nervous system would not be able to function without neurons and we would not be able to move and think or do anything without these amazing nerve cells. Our body contains different types of neurons, each responsible for different functions within the body.
Sensory neurons respond to touch, taste, sound and light as well as other sensory stimuli which we are exposed to. Motor neurons control muscular function throughout the body, and a problem with these neurons can cause paralysis and other debilitating conditions which restrict movement in the body.
Neurons all respond to electrical charge, regardless of their type. Their structures enable them to exchange specific salts and minerals in the body such as sodium and potassium. These salts and minerals cause various reactions within the body. For example, a deficiency in potassium affects the motor neurons and causes twitching, cramps and spasms in various muscles in the body.
Neurons are formed from stem cells within the body, and have a distinct shape made up of three parts – the soma, dendrites and axon. The soma contains all the genetic material which tells the cell what to do. The dendrites are responsible for sending and receiving the information between nerve cells. The axon carries signals away from the soma – it is what ‘fires’ a response or message to another cell.
Neurons are essential for brain development and control your ability to memorize information well. It is interesting to note that the human brain has over 100 billion neurons, and that each day, thousands of these brain cells die. As we age, diseases like Alzheimer’s set in because of the loss of brain cells which not only severely affect memory, but causes physical shrinkage of the brain.
It is typical to think of neurons being minute and indiscernible to the human eye – but in actual fact, some of these neurons can be over 3ft long. This is especially true of those neurons that run from the spinal cord to your toes.
It was once believed that once your nerve cells died, that was it. Recent research however has suggested that some cells (such as the brain cells) are able to re-connect with once defunct brain cells to improve memory. There is even evidence suggesting that these cells can regenerate, although much more research needs to be carried out on this in order to substantiate these claims.
Without our neurons, we simply would not be able to function. It is vital therefore to look after one’s health to ensure that we remain healthy so that our neurons do not suffer.
