Anatomy of Neuron and Neuroplasticity

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Table of Contents

Subcortical Structures
Glia
Communication of Neurons
Neuroplasticity
References

A neuron has a cell body that contains the cell nucleus, as well as unique extensions known as axons and dendrites. Nerves are axons throughout the body and neurons can interact across great distances because of axons and dendrites (NIH, 2018). The Action Potential is used by neurons to transmit electrical impulses, and the influx of positively charged ions across the neural membrane causes this phenomenon; for example, these impulses go through the brain or a person’s spinal cord. When neurons are activated, an electrical impulse is sent. The following steps are taken: stimulus, dendrite, cell body, axon, axon terminal, stimulus passage, termination, and when a nerve impulse reaches the end of an axon, the axon releases substances known as neurotransmitters.

Subcortical Structures

The major components of the subcortical structure are the thalamus, epithalamus, subthalamus, and hypothalamus. Each of these structures plays a variety of important functions in the human body’s survival and proper functioning, so let’s become acquainted with their architecture.
Dopamine enhances the pleasure experience and also aids in learning and memory, both of which are crucial aspects in the transition from liking something to being addicted to it.
The substantia nigra (SN) is a midbrain region of highly pigmented cells that affects movement and coordination. The SN is split into two parts: the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), and the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) (SNr) (“Neurotransmitter receptors,” n.d.). Dopamine is produced by SNc neurons and encourages movement. In contrast, depending on the input signal, GABAergic neurons in the SNr can either stimulate or inhibit movement. The SN regulates movement by being a component of the basal ganglia, which is a network of neurons essential for motion or memory. The basal ganglia also include “the putamen, the subthalamic nucleus, the caudate, and the globus pallidus, which is split into the globus pallidus interna (GPi) and the globus pallidus externa (GPe) (Gpe)” (“Neurotransmitter receptors,” n.d., para. 1).

Glia

Glia is a non-neuronal cell in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which does not generate electrical impulses. They have four primary functions: they surround and maintain neurons in place, they feed nutrition and oxygen to neurons, they insulate one neuron from another, and they eliminate infections and remove dead neurons. They are also involved in neurotransmission and synaptic connections, as well as physiological activities such as respiration.

Communication of Neurons

Communication between neurons occurs at synapses, which are microscopic gaps where specialized parts of two cells, such as presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, meet within nanometers of one another to allow for chemical transmission. The presynaptic neuron releases a chemical known as a neurotransmitter, which is recognized by specific proteins known as neurotransmitter receptors in the postsynaptic neuron. Neurotransmitter molecules attach to receptor proteins, causing the postsynaptic neuronal function to change.

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity or brain plasticity, is a process in which the brain undergoes adaptive structural and functional changes. Puderbaugh and Emmady (2022) define it as “the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections” (para 12). It is described as the nervous system’s capacity to reorganize its structure, functions, or connections in response to intrinsic or external stimuli, such as a stroke or traumatic brain damage (TBI). This exercise explains neuroplasticity, its evaluation and management, and the role of the interprofessional team in enhancing patient care.

References

Neurotransmitter receptors in the substantia nigra & the tuberomammillary nucleus. (n.d.). Web.

NIH. (2018). What are the parts of the nervous system? Web.

Puderbaugh, M., & Emmady, P. (2022). Neuroplasticity. NCBI. Web.

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Anatomy of Neuron and Neuroplasticity

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