Neuron Function in the BrainThe neuron, the basic cellular structure of the nervous system, transmits nerve impulse throughout a complex network of interconnecting brain cells.
The brain contains approximately 180 billion cells, 50 billon of which transmit and receive sensory-motor signals in the central nervous system (CNS) via 15,000 direct physical connections.
Investigation of the structure and function of neurons and their synaptic connections provides insight into basic psychopharmalogy at the molecular level and may provide a method for describing how various neuropsychiatric disorders emerge and progress.
The CNS is comprised of two major cell types, neurons and neuroglia. While neurons conduct nerve impulses, the neuroglia (“nerve glue”) provide structural support and insulate synapses (the connections between neurons).
Glial cells make up about 50 percent of the total volume of the CNS. Glial cells serve various functions, including transmission of signal across neuron, structural support for neuron, repair of injured neurons and production CNS fluid.
Neuron Function in the Brain
