NERVE CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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Nerve cells, also known as neurons, are specialized cells that are the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system. They are responsible for transmitting, receiving, and processing electrical and chemical signals, allowing for the communication and coordination of activities within the body and the external environment.
Nerve cells have a highly specialized structure that enables them to perform their essential functions. They consist of a cell body, an elongated central part called the axon, and numerous branching extensions known as dendrites. The cell body contains the nucleus and other organelles necessary for the cell's metabolism and maintenance. Dendrites receive incoming signals from other neurons and carry them toward the cell body. Axons, on the other hand, transmit outgoing signals away from the cell body to other cells, such as muscles or other neurons.
The communication between nerve cells occurs via synapses, which are the connections between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another. When an electrical signal, known as an action potential, reaches the end of an axon, it triggers the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the dendrites of adjacent neurons, initiating electrical impulses that propagate the signal along the interconnected network of nerve cells.
Nerve cells are essential in various physiological processes, such as cognition, sensory perception, motor control, and regulating bodily functions. They play a crucial role in the transmission of sensations, thoughts, emotions, and instructions throughout the body, allowing for coordinated actions and responses to the environment.
Common Misspellings for NERVE CELLS
- berve cells
- merve cells
- jerve cells
- herve cells
- nwrve cells
- nsrve cells
- ndrve cells
- nrrve cells
- n4rve cells
- n3rve cells
- neeve cells
- nedve cells
- nefve cells
- netve cells
- ne5ve cells
- ne4ve cells
- nerce cells
- nerbe cells
- nerge cells
- nerfe cells
Etymology of NERVE CELLS
The word "nerve" originates from the Latin word "nervus", which means "a sinew, tendon, or nerve". In ancient Rome, the term was used to describe the "strength" or "vigor" of something. Later, in English, it started to refer specifically to the cord-like bundles of fibers that transmit signals between the brain and other parts of the body.
The term "cell" has its roots in the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "chamber". It was initially used to describe the basic structural unit of living organisms by the English scientist Robert Hooke in the 17th century. However, the understanding of cells as individual units making up larger organisms developed significantly later.
Therefore, combining the two terms, "nerve cells" refers to the specialized cells that compose the nervous system, transmitting electrical and chemical signals throughout the body to facilitate communication and coordination.
Similar spelling word for NERVE CELLS
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