This is followed by a discussion of ibogaine and its potential as a cure with special emphasis on the urgent need to further research. Back to top Neurons Neurons are cells found in the nervous system. Understandably, it is here that chemical messages are interpreted and subsequent electrical impulses are generated. Neurons generally only have one relatively long axon and several short, highly branched dendrites. Both are extensions of the cell body referred to as processes.
Dendrites receive neuronal impulses and transmit to the cell body.
It is at this point that impulses are passed from the synaptic knob of one neuron, over an interneuronal space, to the dendrite ending of an adjacent neuron. This space is called the synapse or synaptic cleft. While the impulses that move along neurons to the brain are electrical in nature, chemistry, specifically biochemistry is the foundation for this process. Cell membranes are chiefly responsible for maintenance of concentration gradients of various metabolites. Some ions are held in higher concentration in the intercellular fluid, while others are found more in the extracellular fluid.