the cells in the nervous system that handle information processing are called
The cells in the nervous system that handle information processing are called neurons.
Answer:
Neurons are specialized cells that are fundamental to the nervous system. They are responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. Neurons are the building blocks of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, and they play a crucial role in all nervous system functions.
Solution By Steps:
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Structure of Neurons:
- Cell Body (Soma): Contains the nucleus and is responsible for maintaining the cell’s health.
- Dendrites: Branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons.
- Axon: A long, thin structure that transmits signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
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Types of Neurons:
- Sensory Neurons: Carry information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
- Motor Neurons: Transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.
- Interneurons: Connect neurons within the central nervous system.
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Functioning of Neurons:
- Neurons communicate through synapses, where the axon terminal of one neuron meets the dendrite of another.
- Chemical neurotransmitters are released to carry messages across the synaptic gap.
- This process allows for the complex communication network that manages everything from reflexes to advanced cognitive functions.
Neurons are vital for processing information and coordinating the body’s response to internal and external stimuli, making them essential for survival and functionality.