Wired for Thought

The nervous system is the body’s complex network responsible for coordinating actions, transmitting signals, and processing information from both internal and external environments. It enables everything from basic reflexes to advanced cognitive processes such as thinking, learning, and memory. Structurally, the nervous system is divided into multiple parts that work together seamlessly to maintain homeostasis and ensure survival. Understanding its structure is essential for grasping how the body senses, reacts, and adapts to changes. Central Nervous System (CNS)  The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are the primary control centers of the body. The brain is responsible for processing sensory information, generating thoughts, emotions, and coordinating voluntary movements. It is subdivided into regions like the cerebrum, which handles higher cognitive functions; the cerebellum, which manages coordination and balance; and the brainstem, whi...

Synaptic transmission is the process by which neurons communicate with each other or with other types of cells, such as muscle or gland cells. This complex signaling mechanism is essential for brain function, including perception, movement, thought, emotion, and learning. At the heart of this process are neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that carry signals across synapses—the small gaps between neurons. Understanding how synaptic transmission works and the role neurotransmitters play provides fundamental insight into how the nervous system operates.  Structure of a Synapse   A typical synapse consists of three main parts: the presynaptic terminal, the synaptic cleft, and the postsynaptic membrane. The presynaptic terminal belongs to the transmitting neuron and contains synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitters. When an electrical impulse, or action potential, reaches the presynaptic terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, ...