Neuroligical Biology of the Brain
Uploaded by spootyhead on Mar 19, 2007
Neuroligical Biology of the Brain
The definition of Brain as given in the Taber's Cyclopaedia Medical Dictionary is "Brain- a large soft mass of nerve tissue contained within the cranium; the carnal portion of the central nervous system. The anatomy of the brain is composed of neurons (nerve cells) and neuroglia or supporting cells.
The brain consists of gray and white matter. Gray matter is composed mainly of neuron cell bodies and is concentrated in the cerebral cortex and the nuclei and basal ganglia. White matter is composed of neuron processes, which form tracts connecting parts of the brain with each other and with the spinal cord. The brain consists of three major parts: the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem ( medulla, pons, and midbrain)."(257) The brain is the heaviest organ in our bodies and the most important organ besides your heart. In this discussion you will be able to understand the brain a little better and will be more educated about the brain when you finish.
Nerve, as defined in Tabers, is "a bundle of nerve fibers outside the central nervous system(CNS) that connect the brain and spinal cord with various parts of the body." (1280) Nerves are bundles of nerve fibers. Neuralgia were once thought only to fill spaces and surround or support neurons. Nerves are essential in our everyday functions, they can effect everything we do. The neuralgia cells provide assistance, support, nutrition and protection to neurons in the central nervous system. There are four types of neuralgia cells which are oligodendroglia, astrocytes, microglia and ependymal.
Neurons as defined in Taber's is " a nerve cell, the structural and functional unit of the nerves system. A neuron consists of a cell body (perikaryon) and it's processes, an axon and one or more dendrites."(1292) Neurons function in initiation and conduction of impulses. " They transmit impulses to other neurons or cells by releasing neurotransmitters at synapses. Alternatively, " a neuron may release neurohormones into the bloodstream." (Monahan 712)
In a resting stage, the neuron has a negative membrane potential. Because of this large negative difference, the membrane is said to be polarized. "Membrane depolarization, which can be initiated by chemical, mechanical, electrical, or thermal means, extends from one neuron to another, resulting in impulse transmission."(Monahan 713)
The central nervous system consist of the brain and the spinal cord. " The organs of the nervous system can be...