| Our brains are an impressive collection of cells that | | | | released from the terminal end of one neuron and |
| create an intricate communication system that allows | | | | are sent across the synapse to be received at the |
| us to function. To accomplish this mission, these cells | | | | receptor end of the next neuron. These receptors |
| use many components such as neurons and | | | | and neurotransmitters have been compared to finding |
| neurotransmitters to get the information to where it | | | | a key to fit a lock since not all neurotransmitters will |
| needs to go. Without this communication network, | | | | be able to attach to a particular receptor. If there is |
| we would not function. Years of brain studies have | | | | a match between the receptor and the |
| helped us to better understand brain neurology. | | | | neurotransmitter, then that match activates the |
| Primary neurons have an area called the cell body. In | | | | system and allows the information to be sent along |
| the cell body, chemicals called neurotransmitters (such | | | | the chain. This can be interrupted if certain enzymes |
| as serotonin and dopamine) are manufactured. After | | | | block or remove the neurotransmitter from a |
| they are made in the cell body, they travel down the | | | | receptor site. |
| axon of the neuron to the terminal end. When they | | | | It is a type of domino effect that occurs in your |
| reach the terminal end of the neuron, they are | | | | brain and creates an amazing web of information and |
| housed in membrane sacks called vesicles. | | | | communication. Without these primary neurons and |
| In between primary neurons is a gap called the | | | | neurotransmitters, we could not function. Our brain |
| synapse. In order for information to cross this gap, a | | | | would not be able to tell our bodies to do simple |
| series of chemical reactions have to occur to send | | | | things like breath or pick up an item. Our brain is an |
| the neurotransmitters across the divide. The neuron | | | | amazingly powerful tool that relies on this system to |
| membrane and the vesicle membrane fuse and this | | | | get us the information that we need. That's why the |
| signals the release of the neurotransmitters. They are | | | | study of brain neurology is so important. |