Neurons+-+TM

=Introduction= toc

When you’re playing a basketball game, it requires much concentration. Players must watch the ball, the opposing team, their coach, remember each play, and there are countless more matters to focus on. What’s controlling where our focus lies? Neurons are responsible for coordination, concentration, emotions, thoughts, pain, irritation, and any other feeling that one’s body experiences. There are billions upon trillions of neurons in the body; in fact, there are 100 billion in the brain alone. So how exactly do these neurons function or look? Can they ever breakdown? =Function of a Neuron=

Similar to how a computer sends messages, neurons transmit messages throughout the whole immune system. According to the Brain Pop video Neurons, there are millions of neurons in your body, and each neuron attaches to one another, therefore they can easily send messages to a specific point in the body. They carry electric signals, called impulses, from a point in your body, to your brain (vice versa), and sometimes back and forth multiple times (“Nervous System”). The method of spreading messages is almost similar to how quickly a rumor can be spread from person to person. They control movement, senses, thoughts, and feelings. They also keep you safe, for example, if you burn your hand, the neurons in your hand will rapidly alert the brain, so the brain can send signals to move your hand as fast as possible. The cycle begins when a dendrite receives an impulse. After that, the dendrite then passes the impulse through the soma, which next spreads the impulse to the axons. Lastly, axons send the impulse to another nerve and the cycle repeats.

=Structure of a Neuron=

Nerve Cells, like any other cell, are incredibly complex structure and are very unique. However, a neuron is designed to best do its job, making it much longer than other cells in order to spread messages faster. According to BrainPop “Neurons”, nerve cells look different than other cells because they processes: long extensions that emerge from the cells body. The processes are crucial and transmit messages throughout the whole nervous system. They carry electric signals called impulses around the whole body, which is why they are longer than other cells. There are a few parts of neurons: dendrites: receive impulses passed along from other neurons- axons: carry impulses away from the body, have a myelin sheath: a fatty white substance used to speed up transmission- and soma: the body of the neurons and where most of an average cell’s parts are (nucleus, cytoplasm, et cetera). (Lecture, King). If it weren’t for the neurons shape, the human anatomy wouldn’t function nearly as well, if not at all. Nerve cells structures are similar to hockey: if the sticks weren’t as large in length, then a player would go through much trouble attempting to reach the puck, or wouldn’t reach it at all, making the whole game pointless.



**ALS, GAD, and Neuropathy**

In most humans, neurons are completely successful in rapidly sending and receiving impulses. However, there are multiple diseases/disorders associated with neurons, in which either the neurons are affected or the cells malfunction. For example, according to WebMD Anxiety Disorders, “Studies have shown that severe or long-lasting stress can change the way nerve cells within these circuits transmit information from one region of the [|brain] to another.” People with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) have issues with their nerves transmitting impulses. If you suffer from this, then a solution is to take anti-anxiety pills, or go to behavioral therapy. If you want to learn more, go to [] Another nerve-related disease is ALS, which destroys neurons that control muscle movement. Unfortunately, there is no known cure to ALS, per contra, medicines can temporarily cure symptoms. If you’re seeking more knowledge, go to []. Lastly, according to Neuropathy, Pernicious Anaemia Society, “Neuropathy normally occurs when the outer sheathing or the myelin (protective covering) of nerve cells degenerate.” Similar to ALS, some medications such as Lyrica and Cymbalta can transiently cure symptoms, anyhow, the drugs won’t last nor benefit you in the long term. If you want more information, head to: []. This proves that nerves are very important to the body functioning properly, and a small irregularity can deeply change the whole course of the nervous system.

=Conclusion=

Neurons are crucial to the body’s role in sending information to your shoulder, wrist, toe, stomach, and every other body part. They control your feelings, whether physical or mental, and keep you safe. Neurons control each of your thoughts, ideas, memories, focus, et cetera. Nonetheless, neurons do occasionally malfunction, yet, thanks to advanced modern technology, it is much easier to temporarily or permanently cure these symptoms. So, next time you’re taking that math test or playing that basketball game, think of your neurons and how much they do for you.

=References=

Works Cited Dowshen, Steven. “Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).” KidsHealth, Jan. 2013, kidshealth.org/en/kids/als.html#. Accessed 31 Jan. 2017. Goldberg, Joseph. “Anxiety and Panic Disorders.” WebMD, 27 Feb. 2016, www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disorders?page=2. Accessed 31 Jan. 2017. King, Carrie. “Cell Specialization.” 16 Jan. 2017, Silas Deane Middle School. Lecture. Mom, Kimks. “Neuropathy, an Explanation That Is Easy to Understand.” Pernicious Anaemia Society, 9 Jan. 2012, www.pernicious-anaemia-society.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=12806&view=print. Accessed 31 Jan. 2017. “Neurons.” BrainPOP, www.brainpop.com/health/bodysystems/neurons/. Accessed 31 Jan. 2017. Padilla, Michael J., et al. Prentice Hall Science Explorer. Boston, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Rosen Publishing. “Nervous System.” Teen Health and Wellness, June 2015, www.teenhealthandwellness.com/app?service=externalpagemethod&page=main/ViewDocument&method=view&sp=246&sp=Sbody&sp=1&sp=Sneurons. Accessed 31 Jan. 2017.