What Is an Action Potential? Introduction An action potential is a brief electrical signal that travels along a neuron. It is the main way neurons communicate over long distances, allowing the brain and nervous system to send information quickly throughout the body. Every movement, thought, sensation, and memory depends on action potentials. Quick Answer An…
What Is a Synapse? Introduction A synapse is the tiny junction where one neuron communicates with another cell. Every thought, movement, memory, and emotion depends on billions of synapses working together to pass information throughout the nervous system. Although synapses are microscopic, they are essential for how the brain functions. Quick Answer A synapse is…
What Is a Neuron? Introduction A neuron is a specialized cell that carries information throughout the nervous system. Neurons allow you to think, move, feel, learn, and remember by sending electrical and chemical signals between different parts of the body. The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons that work together to form an incredibly…
What Is the Nervous System? Introduction The nervous system is the body’s communication network. It allows different parts of the body to send and receive information, helping you move, think, feel, and respond to your surroundings. It also controls many automatic functions that keep you alive, such as breathing and heartbeat. Without the nervous system,…
How Does the Brain Work? Introduction The brain works by sending and receiving billions of electrical and chemical signals every second. These signals allow you to think, move, remember, learn, feel emotions, and respond to the world around you. Although the brain appears to work as a single organ, it is actually made up of…
What Is the Brain? The brain is the body’s control center. It receives information from the senses, processes that information, and sends signals that control movement, thoughts, emotions, memory, and many automatic body functions such as breathing and heart rate. Although it weighs only about 1.3–1.4 kg (3 pounds) in adults, the brain contains approximately…
What Does the Brain Do? Introduction The brain controls almost everything you do. It allows you to think, move, remember, speak, feel emotions, and understand the world around you. Even while you are asleep, your brain continues to work by controlling breathing, heartbeat, and many other automatic body functions. Every thought, movement, and feeling begins…