The Nervous System Is Made of Specialized Cells Flashcards
What type of communication occurs between organs, muscles, and the nervous system?
Two-Way Communication
What are the two main specialized cells in the nervous system?
- Neurons
- Glial cells
What is the primary function of neurons?
Receive, process, and transmit information
How many neurons does the human brain have approximately?
80–90 billion neurons
What do neurons produce that makes them well-studied?
Measurable electrical signals
What is the role of glial cells in the brain?
Support and information processing
True or False: Glial cells are fewer in number than neurons.
False
What was the historical debate regarding neurons?
Whether neurons were discrete units or fused into larger networks
Who demonstrated that neurons are independent and formulated the neuron doctrine?
Santiago Ramón y Cajal
List the two main principles of the neuron doctrine.
- Neurons are structurally, metabolically, and functionally independent
- Information is transmitted across gaps called synapses
What is the estimated number of synapses in the brain?
1 quadrillion (10¹⁵) synapses
Fill in the blank: The number of synapses is likened to a cube of sand grains larger than an _______.
American football field
How much sand is equivalent to the number of synapses in terms of volume?
About 260 million gallons (750 million liters)
What do the vast networks of synapses enable in humans?
All human behavior, thought, and achievement
