Neurons and Neurotransmitters- a Small Peak Into the Complexities of our Mind.

What is a Neuron? 

Neurons are specialized cells of the nervous system mainly responsible for transmitting neural information. For most of you who have, in fact, wondered;

“How do our brain and body communicate?”

It all comes down to these incredible cells. Neurons. But what does a Neuron do in the scheme of things? How does that connect our brain and body? 

Let’s find out!

In the core of our brains, there are hundreds of billions of neurons, and although each one has its own individual job, they all share a common goal: to get information to different regions of your brain and body. These cells are the building blocks of the brain, allowing us to think, feel, move, and interact with the world around us. About 100 billion neurons fire per second, sending up to 50 messages at once! 

Now for the biggest question of them all; how does this communication actually happen?

The Structure of Neurons:

Each neuron is its own communication hub. But rather than transmitting signals in one seamless stream, neurons work by sending signals across a microscopic gap at the end of each cell, called the synaptic cleft. This space is crucial, as it’s where neurons communicate with each other.

Think of it like two people standing on opposite sides of a river. They can’t talk directly, but they need to send messages to each other to accomplish a task. To make this happen, they throw signals across the river to one another. In the case of neurons, the "river" is the synaptic cleft, and the "signal" are the objects being thrown, sent via the people (neurotransmitters). Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry the message from one neuron to another.

How Neurons Communicate:

Neurotransmitters are key in this intricate process. They are responsible for carrying signals across the synaptic cleft, ultimately, allowing neurons to communicate. When a neuron fires, it creates an electrical signal that travels down its axon. “Axons are a portion of a nerve cell (neuron) that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body”(Britannica). 

These impulses then go to the synapse, “a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter”(Oxford Dictionary).

Inside the synapse, neurotransmitters are released. These chemical signals will then bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, helping to transmit the signal further along the network of neurons.

Just like how a message might change depending on who’s standing across the river from you, neurotransmitters play an essential role in how the message is interpreted. In fact, there are two main types of neurotransmitters: excitatory and inhibitory.

• Excitatory neurotransmitters work like a green light, encouraging the receiving neuron to fire its own signal. Essentially, they help carry out the action potential—the electrical signal that starts the process of communication.

• Inhibitory neurotransmitters, on the other hand, act like a red light. They prevent the neuron from firing, acting as a brake on the communication process.

The balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals helps regulate everything from muscle movement to mood, and even our ability to think clearly!

 Common Neurotransmitters and Their Roles

Neurotransmitters are WAY more well known than you think! Here are the most common ones you have probably heard of!!

• Dopamine: Often called the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure. It's also critical for motor control and emotional regulation!

• Serotonin: This neurotransmitter is associated with mood regulation, sleep, and appetite. 

• Glutamate: The most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, glutamate plays a role in learning and memory. It’s involved in processes like synaptic plasticity, which helps neurons adapt and strengthen their connections.

• Adrenaline (Epinephrine): This neurotransmitter is part of the body's "fight or flight" response, helping to prepare you for quick action during times of stress or danger.

• Acetylcholine: Important for muscle movement and cognitive functions like memory, acetylcholine is essential for the proper functioning of both the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Conclusion

Neurons and neurotransmitters are the foundation of all brain activity, making everything we do possible! The brain is deeply complex, neurons are just a small peek into our busy minds! It’s a massive network, where billions of neurons are sending and receiving signals at lightning speed, allowing us to interact with the world and process information in real-time.

Neurons are the messengers of the brain, and neurotransmitters are their vehicles, carrying information across microscopic gaps to ensure that our bodies function as they should. The balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals helps our brain stay finely tuned, allowing us to process, react, and adapt to the world around us.

Citations

Cherry, Kendra. “How Neurons Transmit Information throughout the Body.” Verywell Mind, 27 Oct. 2023, www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-neuron-2794890.

Khan Academy. “Overview of Neuron Structure and Function.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, 2024, www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/human-biology/neuron-nervous-system/a/overview-of-neuron-structure-and-function.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Brain Basics: The Life and Death of a Neuron.” Www.ninds.nih.gov, NINDS, 14 Nov. 2022, www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-life-and-death-neuron.

Oxford English Dictionary. “Oxford English Dictionary.” Www.oed.com, Oxford University Press, 2024, www.oed.com/?tl=true.