What tiny parts of the central nervous system handle passing messages and nerve impulses?
Responses
white matter
white matter
spinal cord
spinal cord
neurons
neurons
brain stem
brain stem
The tiny parts of the central nervous system that handle passing messages and nerve impulses are neurons.
The tiny parts of the central nervous system that handle passing messages and nerve impulses are neurons. Neurons are the functional units of the nervous system and are specialized cells that transmit electrical signals, known as nerve impulses, to other neurons or target cells. These impulses allow for the rapid communication and coordination between different parts of the body.
To arrive at this answer, you can start by understanding the basic structure and components of the central nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is responsible for overall cognitive functions, while the spinal cord serves as a pathway for transmitting sensory and motor information between the brain and the rest of the body.
Within the central nervous system, neurons play a crucial role in transmitting information. These cells have unique structures, such as dendrites, cell bodies, axons, and synapses, which enable them to receive, process, and transmit signals. When a stimulus is detected by sensory receptors in different parts of the body, specialized neurons carry these signals to the brain for further processing. In turn, the brain sends signals to other neurons and target cells to coordinate appropriate responses.
In summary, neurons are the small components of the central nervous system that handle passing messages and nerve impulses. Understanding their role and structure will help you grasp the fundamental mechanisms of communication within the nervous system.