Individual Brain Cells

Brain cells, also referred to as neurons, are the basic building blocks of our central nervous system. They are responsible for receiving and transmitting information to and from the brain, in the form of electrical impulses. Each neuron is comprised of three main components: a cell body which contains the nucleus and other organelles; dendrites which receive signals from other neurons; and axons which transmit signals to other neurons. Neurons are highly specialized and come in many different shapes and sizes. In the adult brain, there are over one hundred billion neurons – a population that changes continuously throughout life as new neurons are formed, old ones die off, and neurons respond and adapt by modifying their shape or function. The human brain can be thought of as a complex network of neurons that are constantly processing and responding to internal as well as external stimuli. In the context of a neuron, information is gathered either from its dendritic inputs or from chemicals released by other neurons. This information is then merged by the neuron’s nucleus in order to generate an electrical impulse which is then transmitted along the neuron’s axon. Neurons work together to form neural pathways. These pathways allow information from one neuron to be passed onto another, forming connections which provide a basis for the higher brain functions such as language, memory and behavior. In addition to receiving and transmitting information, individual neurons also play a role in controlling other cellular processes such as metabolism and gene expression. As neurons continue to respond to experience and environment, they mold themselves to the ever-changing stimulus and build connections that allow us to learn and remember.