A small gap between the end of a neuron's axon and the dendrites (or cell body) of another neuron.

Synapse

A researcher is studying a neurodegenerative disease. They observe that affected neurons are unable to synthesize essential proteins and maintain their basic metabolic processes, leading to their rapid deterioration and death. Based on these findings, which primary component of the neuron is most likely the site of the dysfunction? Explain your reasoning.

Identifying Neuronal Malfunction

The (metabolic) center of a neuron. It is in charge of keeping the cell alive

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Georgetown University

Google

Functioning as the central building blocks and core information processors of the nervous system, neurons are interconnected cells essential for all tasks the system performs. The human brain contains around 100 billion neurons at birth. Their role encompasses everything from simple reflexes to complex cognitive functions.

Neurons

Cell

Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience. Nelson Education.


Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

When viewing stained brain tissues under a microscope, the cells look like a network. This network structure in the brain is referred to as a nerve net.

Nerve net

States that individual cells transmit signals throughout the nerve system and that function was not continuous (opposing the beliefs held by nerve net theory)

Neuron doctrine 

Cell body

Structures that branch out from the cell body. They receive signals from other cells. The receptors of the neuron.

Dendrites

(usually) Long processes that send signals to other neurons. The transmitters of the neuron.

Axons (nerve fibers)

Neurons are connected to a specific set of other neurons (not all neurons are connected with one another). When sets of connections are paired together, they form neural circuits.

Neural circuits

There exist specialized neurons that pick up information from the environment such as neurons in the eyes, ears and skin. They have a specialized receptor in place of the cell body and dendrites. 

Receptors

A lot of what someone experiences is not based on direct stimuli, rather representations in the nervous system

Principle of Neural representation

- mirror neurons 
- sensory neurons
- motor neurons 
- interneurons 

Types of neurons 

https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/apoptosis

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is referred to as programmed cell death that can be used to eliminate unwanted cells. It plays a significant factor in preventing cancer or during development, for example, however it can have negative impact as well, especially regarding neurodegenerative diseases.

Groups of neuron structures that work together in the brain. Supports the idea that the brain works like a symphony - different areas work together to create various cognitions.

Neural networks ( neuroscience )

A hypothetical toxin is introduced into an organism's system. This toxin's only effect is to prevent neurons from communicating with one another, but it does not kill them or affect any other type of cell. Based on the primary function of neurons, what would be the most immediate and comprehensive outcome for the organism?

Tissue

The molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms.

- The Central Dogma of Life
- Cell Organelles

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Animal cell organelles are specialized entities in a cell that performs a particular function. 

- Nucleus
- Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Golgi Apparatus
- Ribosome
- Mitochondria
- Lysosome
- Peroxisome 
- Cell membrane

Animal Cell Organelles

Cell theory is a scientific theory with three claims:
- all living organisms are made up of one or more cells
- cells are the smallest unit of structure in organisms
- cells are made from other cells

Cell Theory

Types of Cells

Cell-cell interactions describe the process in which one cell influences the differentiation of neighboring cells during the development of the nervous system. This process is a key reason why vertebrate brains are less hardwired and more susceptible to environmental cues and experience. In contrast, invertebrate development, such as in C. elegans, is more hardwired and relies less on cell-cell interactions, making their mitotic lineages strictly predictable and easier to trace.

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