Nerve Cells - 9382 Words

Site Plan | I. Neurons/nerve cells A neuron is a cell specialized to conduct electrochemical impulses called nerve impulses or action potentials. Neuron is the main cellular component of the nervous system, a specialized type of cell that integrates electrochemical activity of the other neurons that are connected to it and that propagates that integrated activity to other neurons. They are the basic information processing structures in the CNS. There are as many as 10,000 specific types of neurons in the human brain, A. Types of Neurons a. Motor neurons gt;These transmit impulses from the central nervous system to the * muscles†¦show more content†¦Nerve conduction studies are now routine, and can be done in virtually any hospital equipped with the appropriate machine and staffed with a qualified examiner. The nerve conduction study utilizes a computer, computer monitor, a mplifier, loudspeaker, electrical stimulator, and filters. These filters are mathematical filters that can distinguish random, background electrical signals from the signal produced by an activated nerve. When the study is done, small electrodes are placed on the skin over the muscles being tested. Generally, these muscles are located in the arms or legs. Some of the electrodes are designed to record the electrical signal that passes by them. Other electrodes (reference electrodes) are designed to monitor the quality of the signals to make sure that the test is operating properly. If monitoring of the test is not done, then the results obtained are meaningless. After the electrodes are in place, a small electrical current can be applied to the skin. The electrical stimulation is usually done at several points along the nerve, not just at a single point. This is done because conduction of an impulse through a nerve is not uniform. Some regions of a nerve conduct more slowly than other regions. By positioning the stimulating electrodes at several sites, a more accurate overall measurement of conduction velocity is obtained. The electrical current activates nerves in theShow MoreRelatedDifferent Types Of Nerve Cells1058 Words   |  5 Pages   Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Nerve Cells Nerve cells are crucial to all living organisms because they serve as a messenger in the different parts of the body. There are three different types of nerve cells (neurons) sensory neurons, motor neurons, and association neurons. All three of these types come together in order to allow the body to function properly. Without neurons the body wouldn’t have the ability to know when there is illumination or warmth in or outside the body, know how to perform functionsRead MoreDendrites Are Important. These Tiny, Little Nerve Cells1737 Words   |  7 Pagestiny, little nerve cells have significant importance to the overall functions of the brain. 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