SILVERTHORN
CHAPTER 8 – NEURONS
ORGANIZATION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Nervous system = trillions of nerve cells linked together in a highly organized manner to form the
rapid control system of the body.
Neurons = nerve cells, carry electrical signals rapidly (and over long distances if necessary). Have
processes, long thin extensions, that can be up to a meter in length.
Neurotransmitters = chemical signals released by neurons into the extracellular fluid. In some
pathways, neurons are linked by gap junctions, allowing electrical signals to pass directly from cell
to cell.
Nerves = bundles of long afferent and efferent peripheral neurons and connective tissue
Silverthorn – chapter 8: Neurons Page 1 of 12
CHAPTER 8 – NEURONS
ORGANIZATION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Nervous system = trillions of nerve cells linked together in a highly organized manner to form the
rapid control system of the body.
Neurons = nerve cells, carry electrical signals rapidly (and over long distances if necessary). Have
processes, long thin extensions, that can be up to a meter in length.
Neurotransmitters = chemical signals released by neurons into the extracellular fluid. In some
pathways, neurons are linked by gap junctions, allowing electrical signals to pass directly from cell
to cell.
Nerves = bundles of long afferent and efferent peripheral neurons and connective tissue
Silverthorn – chapter 8: Neurons Page 1 of 12
