Alpha motor neuron

Plasticity also known as Neuroplasticity, is the propensity of a material to undergo permanent deformation under load. Moderate levels of exercise may increase the brain’s flexibility and improve learning, a study suggests. The visual cortex, the part of the brain that processes visual information, loses the ability to “rewire” itself with age, making it more difficult for adults to recover from injuries and illness, said Claudia Lunghi, a neuroscientist at the University of Pisa and one of the…

Introduction Also known as the second cranial nerve, or CN II, the optic nerve is the second of twelve cranial nerves. Although located at the back of the eye, the optic nerve is considered a part of the central nervous system due to its role in visual integration and function. The optic nerve transfers visual information from the retina to the vision centers of the brain via electrical impulses. Made of about 1.7 million retinal ganglion cell axons, or nerve cells, the optic nerve encompasses…

One important role of the basal ganglia is in the service of voluntary, routine smooth motor control, and to inhibit unnecessary movements in the muscles. The basal ganglia is important for other things as well, but in diseases which cause the loss of muscle control as in the case of Parkinson's, it stands to reason that we look more closely at the basal ganglia in respects to its role in movement. The basal ganglia uses Glutamate, and Acetylcholine, both are excitatory neurotransmitters, and…

Sydney Holst When certain chemicals interact with a neuron, they alter the balance of ions inside and outside the cell. If this change reaches threshold, it sends a signal down the neuron’s membrane to the axon. At the axon, the neuron fires the signal to a neighboring neuron, and the process repeats. Once the electrical potential of Neuron A (presynaptic neuron) reaches -60mV the sodium and potassium channels in the neuron open at the beginning of the axon. The influx of positive sodium ions…

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a condition that affects many of the body's systems, particularly the brain and nervous system and muscles. The signs and symptoms of the disorder mostly begin to present themselves in childhood following a period of normal development, but can begin at any age. Early symptoms may include muscle pain and weakness, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and seizures. Almost all affected individuals…

Important Pathways to recognize prior to understanding clinical complications and scenarios: Lingual Nerve Pathway: CNV3 → Lingual Nerve (+Chorda Tympani from Facial Nerve) →Submandibular Ganglion Inferior Alveolar Nerve Pathway: CNV3 Mandibular Nerve → Inferior Alveolar Nerve →Inferior Dental Nerves → Mental Nerve (+ Nerve to Mylohyoid) Lingual Artery Pathway: External Carotid Artery→ Lingual Artery → Sublingual Artery, Deep Lingual Artery, Dorsal Lingual Artery Inferior Alveolar Artery…

What exactly is something that would be considered as a “brain rule”? These rules include things, which scientists know for certain about how the human brain operates. The human brain is a fundamental, physical system that requires sleep, exercise and proper nutrition in order to function optimally. The body and the mind aren’t separate things; the human brain is a physical system which has needs that are physical. John Medina goes into detail in his book, “Brain Rules” about how an individual…

According to Dr.Gottfried Schlaug, associate professor of neurology and director of the Music and Neuroimaging Laboratory at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, “Neuroplasticity is the term for the brain’s ability to pave new pathways around damaged areas,”(Mossie). Due to this incredible ability that the brain has, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords relearned to talk within ten months of having a bullet wound to the head. Giffords suffered from aphasia- the inability to…

perform their respective jobs. The nerves in the human body are very delicate, so the muscles of the muscular system act as a protector while the nerves act as a conduit between the muscles and the brain. Without the control center, or brain, and the neurons messages could not be sent to the message groups for them to perform their duties. An example of how the nervous system works with the muscles to maintain homeostasis is when we are cold. When an individual is too cold, the receptors in the…

destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks,” (Fact). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia (Association). It causes disturbances in metabolic processes that are vital to keeping neurons healthy. These disturbances cause nerve cells to stop working, lose connection with other nerve cells, and eventually die. This causes memory loss, behavioral issues and problems with critical thinking (Fact). Causes Amyloid plaques are…