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Related Concept Videos

Neuronal Communication

Neuronal Communication

Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...

Synaptic Signaling

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...

Synaptic Signaling

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.

The Synapse

The Synapse

Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.

Neurons as Communicators of the Brain

Neurons as Communicators of the Brain

Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, function as the primary transmitters of information throughout the body. Their ability to communicate through electrical and chemical signals is vital for every bodily function, from regulating the heartbeat to processing complex thoughts. Each neuron has three main components: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon, each specialized to facilitate swift and efficient neural communication.
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...

Neuron Structure

Neuron Structure

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

External Excitation of Neurons Using Electric and Magnetic Fields in One- and Two-dimensional Cultures

External Excitation of Neurons Using Electric and Magnetic Fields in One- and Two-dimensional Cultures

Published on: May 7, 2017

Interactions of Neurons with Physical Environments.

Michal Marcus¹, Koby Baranes¹, Matthew Park²

¹Faculty of Engineering and Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.

Advanced Healthcare Materials

|June 23, 2017

Summary

Synthetic platforms with nanoscale topography guide nerve growth, offering potential therapies for neuronal injuries and brain-machine interfaces. These engineered materials mimic the body's environment to promote nerve regeneration and development.

Keywords:

contact guidance nanofabrication neuronal injury and regeneration neuronal interfaces topography

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Last Updated: Feb 27, 2026

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Published on: March 2, 2015

Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Neuroscience
Tissue Engineering

Background:

Nerve growth and regeneration depend on complex signals.
Injured neuronal tissue currently lacks effective treatments.
Synthetic interfaces are emerging for neuronal applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To review synthetic platforms for neuronal growth.
To focus on physical feature design and fabrication.
To discuss chemical modifications and biological outcomes.

Main Methods:

Review of studies on micro- and nanoscale topographical platforms.
Analysis of various fabrication methods.
Discussion of chemical modifications and substrate structures.

Main Results:

Topographical features at micro- and nanoscale effectively interact with neuronal cells.
Substrate structures influence neuronal differentiation, outgrowth, and development.
Specific effects on cell fate, intracellular remodeling, gene expression, and activity were observed.

Conclusions:

Engineered platforms can mimic native environments for neuronal growth.
Understanding topography's role is crucial for neuronal regeneration therapies.
These advancements may lead to solutions for neuronal injuries and brain-machine interfaces.