Neuron Doctrine and Nervous System Overview

Neuron Doctrine and Nervous System Components

• The neuron doctrine describes the fundamental unit of the nervous system as a neuron.
• Different cell types exist within the nervous system, including neurons and glial cells.
• Neurites are extensions of neurons, including axons and dendrites. Axon collaterals are branches of an axon, and recurrent collaterals are axon branches that return to the neuron.
• The neuron's cytoskeleton is crucial for its organization and function.

Axoplasmic Transport and Neuron Connections

• Axoplasmic transport involves moving materials within axons.
• Dendrites and axons synthesize proteins differently compared to the soma (cell body).
• Neurons connect in various ways, forming different types of connections.
• Dendritic arbors are intricate branched structures that receive inputs from other neurons. They regulate the amount of input a neuron receives.

Nervous System Structure and Function

• Glial cells, including different subtypes (e.g., astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia) carry out essential roles in the nervous system.
• Neural circuits are interconnected pathways of neurons.
• The neuron membrane has unique compositional properties relevant to its function.
• Ion transport mechanisms are vital for various neural processes.

Action Potential and Synaptic Transmission

• Key factors establish the resting membrane potential.
• The Nernst and Goldman equations are important in understanding membrane potential.
• Action potentials are characterized by distinct phases (resting, depolarization, repolarization etc).
• The action potential is propagated along the axon.
• Voltage-gated ion channels (Na+ and K+) play a crucial role.
• Synapses are junctions between neurons; two main types exist.
• Synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release are integral to synaptic transmission.
• Postsynaptic receptors on the receiving neuron have unique characteristics and functions.

Neurotransmitter Classification and Function

• Neurotransmitters are crucial for neuronal communication.
• Various criteria classify neurotransmitters.
• Different methods classify neurotransmitters.
• The synthesis of neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine, catecholamines, serotonin, amino acids) follows unique pathways.
• Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters have different effects on the postsynaptic neuron.