GLIALS AND NEURONS
The human nervous system is composed of 2 types of cells: glial cells and neurons. The neurons make us think and act.
Various studies suggest that the brain contains ≈100 billion glial cells and neurons, which form ≈150 trillion connections. Glial cells provide the neurons with nourishment, physical support, and protection. They also dispose of waste materials generated when neurons die.
Each of the ≈10 trillion cells in our body has a membrane that surrounds its cytoplasm and a nucleus that contains its genes. Neurons also have small organelles that let them produce energy and proteins.
Neurons transmit energy & information via vortices. For that they have two types of highly specialized extensions that distinguish them from other cells:
- Dendrites, with their tree-like branching structure, gather and relay information to the neuron’s cell body.
- Axons, carry information from the neuron’s cell body to other neurons, with which it makes connections called synapses. Axons also directly stimulate other types of cells, such as muscle and gland cells.
Take a good look at the trees in the winter and notice how similar they are in structure to neurons. Their branches are like dendrites, and the buds on these branches are like dendritic spines. The trees’ trunks are like axons, and their roots are like the axons’ numerous terminal buttons.
