1. Objectives 31.1 The Neuron
-Identify the functions of the nervous system.
-Describe the function of neurons.
-Describe how a nerve impulse is transmitted

2. Functions of the Nervous System
The Nervous System is divided into the:
Central Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System

3. Functions of the Nervous System
1. The central nervous system, consists of the brain and spinal cord, processes that information and creates a response.
2. The peripheral nervous system, consists of nerves and supporting cells, collects information about the body’s external and internal environment.

4. Neurons
The messages carried by the nervous system are electrical signals called impulses.
Nervous system impulses are transmitted by cells called neurons.

5. Types of Neurons Neurons can be classified into three types:
1. Sensory neurons carry impulses from the sense organs to the spinal cord and brain.
2. Motor neurons carry impulses from the brain and the spinal cord to muscles and glands.
3. Interneurons process information from sensory neurons and then send commands to motor neurons.

6. Structure of Neurons
The largest part of a typical neuron is its cell body, which contains the nucleus and much of the cytoplasm.

7. Structure of Neurons
Spreading out from the cell body are short, branched extensions called dendrites, which RECEIVE information.

8. Structure of Neurons
The long fiber that carries impulses AWAY from the cell body is the axon.
An axon ends at the axon terminal.

9. The Resting Neuron
Neurons have a charge, or electrical potential, across their cell membranes.
The inside of a neuron has a voltage of –70 millivolts (mV) compared to the outside. This difference is known as the resting potential.

10. A Nervous Impulse
A neuron remains in its resting state until it receives a stimulus large enough to start a nerve impulse.
Once this happens ion channels open and the electrical charge inside and outside the neuron reverse.

11. Threshold
The minimum level of a stimulus that is required to cause an impulse in a neuron is called its threshold.
*Any stimulus that is weaker than the threshold will not produce an impulse.

12. The Synapse
The point at which a neuron transfers an impulse to another cell is called a synapse.
The space that physically separates two neurons is called a synaptic cleft.

13. Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit an impulse across the synapse.