Chapter 14.1, Problem 4LO

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The role of neurotransmitters and the process of synaptic integration.

Introduction:

Nervous system controls and coordinates the functions of body. Nervous tissue has two types of cells: neurons and glial cells. Neuron is a structural and functional unit of nervous system. The neuron body consists of nucleus; dendrite: short extension, which receives signals from the afferent neuron, and axon: which conduct nerve impulses.

The axon has a small swelling at their end which is called as axon terminal. This terminal lies very close to the dendrite of next neuron. This close proximity of each neuron is called as synapse and the small gap between the synapses is called as synaptic cleft.