During this semester, we will cover a broad range of subjects, with the goal of providing as many complete answers as possible to these questions. In order to understand how cells in the nervous system do what they do, we need to understand first what these cells are, and how they work together. Your understanding of the majority of the contents of this entire course rely on a good knowledge of what neurons are how they work. Please hang on these first three or four weeks and take on the challenge of deep understanding. The most important components of nervous systems are neurons, cells that uses biochemical reactions to receive, process and transmit information.
Neurons have tree-like processes stemming from the soma.
Their primary function is to perform the continuous maintenance required to keep the neuron functional. There many different classes of neurons in a mammalian brain. Differences include shape, function, types of intracellular biochemical machinery, and mode of action. Following the web links below you will find some examples of different neuronal families, including real pictures from a microscope and quizzes. The membrane is perforated by protein complexes that may or may not let polar substances through.