Did you know that your brain is constantly working? Even when you are asleep, your brain is still active. This is because your brain is made up of billions of neurons, which are constantly communicating with each other. In this article, we will discuss how do neurons work and most important facts!
I was reading an article the other day about the human brain. It was fascinating to me to learn how flexible our brain is and how our thoughts can literally change the shape and function of our brain. I learned that our brain is incredibly plastic, which means that it can change its structure and function depending on our experiences. This blew my mind! I had always thought of the brain as this static thing, but it turns out that it's constantly changing.
As a human potential coach, I started thinking about how neurons could affect our everyday life and mindset. For example, if we are constantly negative and think negatively, our brain will start to change in a way that makes us more pessimistic. On the other hand, if we are positive and think positively, our brain will start to change in a way that makes us more optimistic. I found this idea really interesting and decided to do some more research on it. This eventually led me to work with Dr Daniel Amen and earn my certification as a brain health professional.
I became really interested in learning more about how neurons work and how they can affect our brain and mindset. I started reading up on different studies and doing my own experiments. And let me tell you, it's been an interesting journey!
I trust this article could be the starting point in a new journey for you as well. So without further ado, let's get started!
How did we find out about neurons?
The discovery of the neurons has been an evolving process. It first started as a theory which postulated that the brain was made up of tiny cells. This theory was first proposed by a man named Franz Gall in the early 1800s. Gall believed that the size and shape of these cells determined a person's personality and mental abilities.
While this theory was initially met with skepticism, it gained traction when Spanish neuroscientist Santiago Ramon y Cajal discovered actual cells in the brain that looked similar to what Gall had proposed. Cajal's discovery marked the beginning of modern neuroscience and led to further discoveries about how neurons work.
But it was Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von Waldeyer-Hartz who coined the term "neuron" in 1891. Waldeyer-Hartz was a German anatomist who was able to synthesize the discoveries of Santiago Ramon y Cajal and Camillo Golgi. Camillo Golgi was an Italian physician, pathologist, and neuroscientist who discovered a way to stain neurons so that they could be seen more clearly under a microscope.
All of these discoveries about how neurons work have been essential in furthering our understanding of the brain. Now more than 130 years later and equipped with more sophisticated technology, we continue to learn more about how neurons work and how they contribute to our life and overall health.
What are neurons?
Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system. They are responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. The human brain is the largest and most complex part of the central nervous system. It is composed of about 86 billion neurons (nerve cells) that work together to control all of the body’s functions.
Neurons are specialized cells that receive, process and transmit information. They are highly efficient at their job and can send and receive signals very quickly. Neurons are specially adapted to transmit electrical signals throughout the body and come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have three main parts: the cell body, the dendrites, and the axon. The cell body contains the nucleus, which houses the DNA that codes for the neuron's proteins. The dendrites are branches that extend from the cell body and receive incoming signals from other neurons. The axon is a long tail that sends outgoing signals to other cells.
Neurons are constantly communicating with each other through their dendrites and axons. When a neuron receives an incoming signal, it produces an electrical impulse that travels down the axon and triggers the release of chemical signals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on other neurons, causing them to either excite or inhibit their activity. In this way, neurons can pass information from one part of the nervous system to another.
Functions of a neurons
The major function of a neuron is to receive, process and transmit information. There are three broad types of functions: sensory neurons, motor neurons and interneurons.
Sensory neurons are responsible for sending information from the sense organs to the brain. These get activated when we see, feel, smell or taste something. For example, when you touch a hot stove, sensory neurons in your skin send a signal to your brain telling you to move your hand away.
Motor neurons are responsible for sending information from the brain to the muscles. These get activated when we want to move our body parts. For example, when you want to pick up a glass of water, motor neurons send a signal from your brain to your hand muscles telling them to contract.
Interneurons are the most common type of neuron and are responsible for sending information between other neurons. These help to process and integrate information before it is passed on. For example, when you see a scary movie, interneurons will send signals between the sensory neurons and motor neurons to help you decide whether to scream or run away.
Parts of a Neuron
A neuron is made up of three parts: the cell body, the axon, and dendrites.
The cell body, also known as soma, is the control center of the neuron. It contains the nucleus, which houses the DNA that codes for the proteins of the neuron. The cell body also contains other organelles that are necessary for the survival of the cell.
The axon is a long tail that sends outgoing signals to other cells. The axon is surrounded by a fatty substance called myelin, which insulates it and helps to speed up the transmission of signals.
The dendrites are branches that extend from the cell body and receive incoming signals from other neurons. Dendrites are often compared to the branches of a tree because they branch out in all directions.
Types of Neurons
Neurons come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with each having its own function. There are many different varieties of neurons depending on their genetic make-up, structure, and function.
However, there are five basic neuron shapes: multipolar, bipolar, unipolar, purkinje, and pyramidal.
Multipolar neurons are the most common type of neuron and are found in all parts of the nervous system. They have symmetrical dendrites and a single axon.
Bipolar neurons have one dendrite and one axon that emerge from opposite sides of the cell body. These are found in the retina and olfactory system.
Unipolar neurons have a single process that emerges from the cell body. They are found in invertebrates and some sensory neurons.
Purkinje neurons are large and complex, with many dendrites emerging from the cell body. They are found in the cerebellum and release neurotransmitters that prevent other neurons from firing.
Pyramidal neurons are the largest type of neuron and have a pyramid-shaped cell body. These are found in the cerebral cortex and are responsible for higher cognitive functions such as planning and decision making.
How do neurons transmit information?
The simple answer is ions, electricity and chemical signals. Neurons are able to generate and transmit electrical signals because they contain a special type of cell membrane. This cell membrane is made up of two layers of lipid molecules (phospholipids) that surround the cell. The phospholipids are arranged in such a way that they form a selective barrier, allowing only certain molecules to enter and exit the cell.
Ions are atoms that have gained or lost electrons, making them electrically charged. The cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning that it allows some ions to pass through while keeping others out. This selective permeability is achieved by special proteins called ion channels that are embedded in the cell membrane.
Once the electrical charge has been generated, it needs to be transmitted down the length of the neuron through the axon. An axon is a long, thin extension of the cell body that carries electrical signals away from the nucleus to the axon terminal which connects to other neurons. This is achieved by a process called axonal conduction. Axonal conduction is a type of electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron. The electrical charge causes ions to flow into and out of the cell, which generates an action potential.
The axon is surrounded by a type of insulation called myelin, which helps to protect the electrical signal and keep it from being interrupted. Myelin also increases the speed at which the electrical signal can travel.
When the action potential reaches the axon terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help to transmit signals between neurons. They are released from the axon terminal and bind to receptors on the next neuron, causing it to produce an action potential. This process is known as synaptic transmission.
Three neurotransmitters are involved in most functions of the nervous system
Scientists know of at least 100 different neurotransmitters, each with its own function. Although each neuron generates and releases only one or a few types of neurotransmitters, it can carry receptors on its surface for several types of neurotransmitters which are essential for normal brain function.
Amino acids neurotransmitters
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and they also play an important role in many biochemical reactions. In the brain, amino acids are used to create neurotransmitters, molecules that carry signals between neurons, and they have been implicated in a wide variety of neurological disorders. Amino acids are also involved in the body's stress response, and they can help to regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Amino acids are found in many foods, including meats, dairy products, beans, and nuts. They can also be taken as supplements.
The most common amino acids neurotransmitters are:
- Glutamate. This is the most common amino acid and excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and it plays a role in memory, learning, and neuroplasticity. Glutamate is also involved in the body's stress response and it can help to regulate blood pressure and heart rate.
- (GABA) Gamma-aminobutryic acid. This is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to regulate the activity of neurons. GABA is involved in the brain's stress response and it can help to control anxiety, fear, irritability, and other emotions.
- Glycine. This is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to regulate the activity in the central nervous system, especially in the brainstem and spinal cord. Glycine is also involved in the processing of sensory and motor information that enables movement, audition, and vision.
Monoamines neurotransmitters
Monoamines are a type of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator that uses a single amino acid to relay messages between nerve cells. These neurotransmitters are involved in a variety of functions, including mood, behaviour, arousal and certain types of memories. Monoamines can be divided into two groups: catecholamines and indoleamines. Catecholamines include dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Indoleamines include serotonin and melatonin. Monoamines play an important role in the brain's communication system, and they are essential for normal brain function.
The most common monoamines neurotransmitters are:
- Dopamine. It is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, memory, movement, and attention. It is also involved in the body's "reward center," which motivates us to repeat certain behaviours. Without dopamine, we would not be able to experience many of the things that make life enjoyable. However, too much dopamine can also be dangerous. High levels of dopamine have been linked to addiction and other mental health disorders. For this reason, it is important to keep your dopamine levels in balance.
- Serotonin. It is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. It is also involved in the body's stress response. Serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract, and it plays an important role in digestion. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
- Norepinephrine. It is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, focus, and energy levels. It is also involved in the body's "fight or flight" response. Norepinephrine is released when we are under stress, and it can help us to respond quickly to danger. However, too much norepinephrine can also be dangerous. High levels of norepinephrine have been linked to anxiety, hypertension, and other mental health disorders.
- Epinephrine (Adrenaline). It is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow to the muscles, breathing, and high attention. It is also involved in the body's "fight or flight" response. Epinephrine is released when we are under stress, and it can help us to respond quickly to danger. However, too much epinephrine can also be dangerous. High levels of epinephrine have been linked to anxiety, hypertension, and other mental health disorders.
Peptide neurotransmitters
Also known as neuropeptides, these are short chains of amino acids that act as neurotransmitters. Peptides are involved in a wide range of functions, including pain, inflammation, immunity, and "feel good" behaviour. Peptides can be divided into two groups: neuropeptides and peptide hormones. Neuropeptides are found in the nervous system, and they play an important role in communication between nerve cells. Peptide hormones are found in the endocrine system, and they play an important role in regulating metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
The most common peptide neurotransmitter is:
- Endorphins. They are neuropeptides that help to regulate pain, stress, and anxiety. Endorphins are released in response to pain, and they can help to reduce the sensation of pain. However, too much endorphin release can also be dangerous. High levels of endorphins have been linked to addiction and other mental health disorders.
How are memories formed?
This is a question I get often asked. Memories are one of the most fascinating aspects of the human brain. Though we sometimes take them for granted, they are actually the result of a complex process that is still not fully understood by scientists.
Memories are created when neurons in the brain form connections, or paths, between one another. This process begins with an experience, which causes neurons to fire and release chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters travel across the gaps, or synapses, between neurons and attach to receptors on the next neuron. This causes the next neuron to fire, and so on. Over time, these neurons begin to fire more easily in response to the same stimuli. This is how a memory is formed. Once a memory is created, it is stored in the brain in a process known as long-term potentiation. In long-term potentiation, neurons that are associated with one another are more likely to fire together in the future. This helps to solidify memories and make them easier to recall.
An additional basic principle behind memory formation is known as encoding. This is the process by which information is converted into a form that can be stored in the human brain. For example, when you see a new face, you must first encode the visual information into a neural representation. This process involves creating a mental image of the person's features and connecting it to other related information, such as their name and any prior interactions you have had with them. Once this information has been encoded, it can then be stored in your long-term memory. The exact mechanism by which this occurs is still unknown, but it is thought to involve changes in neuronal connections. When you want to retrieve a memory, the process of encoding is reversed, and the stored information is converted back into a form that can be understood by your conscious mind. This process is known as retrieval. Whether you will be able to retrieve a particular memory depends on many factors, such as how well it was encoded in the first place, how often you access it, and how well is the brain functioning.
Emotions also play an important role in memory. When we experience an emotional event, our body releases hormones that can help to strengthen the neural connections involved in memory formation. This is why we often have very strong memories of emotionally charged events, even if they happened many years ago.
I personally believe that when we experience a very emotional event, we push our body to produce a lot more chemicals and neurotransmitters to make that memory stronger in our neural network so that the next time we encounter the same experience we either avoid pain or welcome pleasure. This is part of the unconscious or subconscious programming that our body uses to keep us alive.
Why would neurons stop working or die?
Like any living thing in this world, neurons need proper nutrition and are subject to aging and damage.
Neurons rely on a constant supply of nutrients, blood flow, and oxygen to function properly. If they are deprived of these essential substances, they will eventually stop working. This can happen if the blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and nutrients become blocked or damaged. A poor nutrition diet can prevent the proper development and regeneration of neurons. Additionally, a lack of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to deficiencies that damage neurons. For example, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause myelin damage, which disrupts nerve cell signaling.
Neurons can also be overloaded by too much stimulation, which can cause them to malfunction or even die. In some cases, neurons may simply stop working for no apparent reason. While the exact causes of this phenomenon are not fully understood, it is thought to be due to changes in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Whatever the cause, when thousands of neurons stop working, it can have devastating consequences for the body.
Aging is another factor that can lead to neuron death. As we age, our neurons gradually become less efficient and more susceptible to damage. This process is thought to be due to the accumulation of certain toxins in the brain, as well as changes in how our cells produce energy. Over time, these changes can lead to the death of neurons, which can contribute to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Thousands of neurons die in our brain every single day but we don't feel it because we have millions of them and our brain is constantly replacing dead and damaged neurons with new ones. This process is known as neurogenesis, and it ensures that our brains remain healthy and functioning properly. In most cases, the loss of a few neurons will not have any noticeable effect on our cognitive abilities. However, if too many neurons die, our central nervous systems would be affected.
How do medications affect the action of neurotransmitters?
Medications can affect neurotransmitter action by either increasing or decreasing the release of neurotransmitters, or by interacting with receptors in a way that alters their binding properties. For example, certain antidepressants work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, which leads to increased serotonin concentrations in the synaptic space and therefore increased binding to serotonin receptors. Ultimately, medications can have a significant impact on neurotransmitter action, and this impact can be beneficial or harmful depending on the medication in question.
We always recommend our clients, that if they have too much pain or a medical condition to seek professional help right away. But if you are just not feeling at your best and you know something feels off in your body, find more natural solutions first before using medications.
How to keep our neurons healthy and strong?
In order for neurons to function properly, we need to constantly supply our body with good nutrients and oxygen, increase our blood flow, and be mindful of our thoughts.
There are a few things you can do to help keep your neurons healthy:
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides the nutrients that neurons need to function properly. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to promote neuron health.
- Get plenty of exercise. Exercise helps to improve blood flow to the brain and increase the production of neurotrophic factors, which promote neuron growth and health.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for neurons because it gives them a chance to rest and repair themselves. Lack of sleep has been linked to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. An average of 7 to 8 hours of good sleep is what is recommended to ensure your brain has enough time to remove the toxins and perform other important tasks.
- Reduce stress. This is a big one and something that affects many people on a daily basis. Chronic stress has been linked to damage neural death.
We know we are supposed to be doing all of the above suggestions. Unfortunately, our bad habits that have been programmed in our neural network are keeping us from making the right decision and we tend to gravitate to things that hurt our body, neurons and central nervous system.
We call these paradigms and they are programs that control 80 to 95 percent of our life. They dictate our most frequent thoughts, feelings, and actions. And until we change the paradigm, our habits will not change and we will continue to experience a lack of energy, bad memory, low productivity and many of the things that are keeping us from achieving our full potential.
In conclusion, neurons are complex cells that play a vital role in our brain and nervous system. They are responsible for encoding and storing memories, as well as processing information from our senses. However, they are also susceptible to damage and death, which can lead to serious problems. Therefore, it is important to understand how neurons work in order to protect them from harm.
Thanks for reading! I hope this article was informative and helpful.
Do you have any questions or comments? Please feel free to leave them below! Until next time, take care!
If you found this article interesting, please share it with your friends and family! Neurons are very important and having the knowledge of its functionality is power. The more we understand our central nervous system, the better equipped we are to maintain a healthy balance and prevent or manage diseases.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Central nervous system diseases can be serious, so it is important to seek medical help if you think you may be experiencing symptoms. Central nervous system diseases are often complex, and treatment can vary depending on the individual. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes neurons so special?
Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system, and they are responsible for transmitting electrical impulses throughout the body. What makes neurons so special is that they have the ability to change their structure and function in response to new experiences. This means that they can adapt to changes in their environment and learn new things. This flexibility is what allows us to process information and make decisions. Without neurons, we would not be able to think or feel. We would simply be reacting to our environment like robots.
What is the membrane potential?
The membrane potential is an important electrical property of neurons that helps to generate and propagate electrical and chemical signals. The membrane potential is created by the distribution of ions across the cell membrane. When the concentrations of certain ions on either side of the membrane are unequal, there is a force called the electrochemical gradient that drives them towards equilibrium.
The video below from Neuroscientifically Challenged explains it very well.
Can we live without neurons?
The human body is an amazing machine, made up of billions of cells that work together to keep us alive. One type of cell that plays a vital role in our bodies is the neuron. Without them, we would be unable to think, move, or feel. In short, neurons are essential for life as we know it.
How do scientists look at neurons?
Scientists have long been fascinated by the workings of the brain, and neurons are one of the most important components.
Scientists have developed a number of ways to study neurons, and each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. One popular method is to use special dyes that can be injected into neurons. These dyes fluoresce when exposed to light, making it possible to track the movement of neurons in real time.
Another common approach is to use electron microscopes to take high-resolution images of neurons. This technique allows scientists to study the structure of neurons in great detail, but it is not well suited for tracking how neurons change over time. In recent years, scientists have also begun using optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control the activity of neurons. Optogenetics offers a powerful way to study how neurons work, but it is still a relatively new field, and there is much that scientists still do not understand about how it works.
How is a nerve cell activated?
A nerve cell, or neuron, is a type of cell that conducts electrical impulses. These impulses are generated by the movement of ions across the cell membrane, and this is how neurons communicate with each other. When a neuron is activated, it means that an electrical impulse has been generated and is passing through the cell. This is how neurons communicate with each other.
What is a neuron short answer?
A neuron is a type of cell that is specialized for communication and is the basic unit of the nervous system. Neurons are unique from other cells in the body because they have the ability to send and receive electrical impulses. This electrical activity allows neurons to quickly and efficiently transmit information throughout the body.
Do we have neurons in the brain and spinal cord?
Yes! We do have neurons in the brain and spinal cord! Our brain is composed of about 86 billion neurons and our spinal cord is composed of about 200 million neurons.
What are motor neurons?
Motor neurons are a type of neuron that sends signals from the brain to the muscles, telling them to contract. Motor neurons are essential for movement, and they can be found in both the voluntary and involuntary nervous systems.
What are glial cells?
Glial cells are the most abundant cells in the nervous system, outnumbering neurons by a ratio of about 10 to 1. Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons, helping to keep them healthy and functional.
