Neurons

Product: The electrical field associated application is the well known Biology user friendly neuron (nerve cell).

Manufacturers: The

Key concepts: The physical principles of electric potential, electric fields and electric speed signals need to be understood in order to comprehend how a neuron works (1).

Function: A neuron transmits information in the form of an electrical signal in order to notify parts of the body to respond to a situation (2). Sensory and motor neurons allow the ability to touch, smell, see, hear, think, etc. (3). Neurons undergo the process of semi – permeable diffusion; a procedure in which the external fluid containing positively charged sodium ions (Na+) cross through cell membrane via attraction due to the many negatively charged ions in the interior (1). The procedure in which the neuron changes its electrical potential and stabilizes itself once again is action potential (1). The dendrite, a component of the neuron, is responsible for initially converting the external stimuli into an electrical signal (1). The momentary increase of sodium ions inside the neuron allows an electric potential difference to be generated due to the test objects (sodium ions) responding to the electric field by attracting to the negatively charged ions (2). The electrical signal then continues traveling along a long branch known as the axon; insulated by the Myelin sheath, to prevent damage to nearby fluids. At the end of this branch, the signal reaches a terminal button and crosses through a gap called synapses, where it becomes a neurotransmitter (2). The neurotransmitter moves on to the next neuron, acting as the stimulus for initiating action potential. After transmitting through millions of neurons, the electrical signal reaches the designated spot; whether it may be tissue fluid, an organ or other important cells to deliver the information (3).

(1) Nelson 12 Physics – Al Hirsch, Charles Stewart, David Martindale, Maurice Barry

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