NEURON

01 02
CONTENT AND Neurons Characteristics

03 04
LEARNING Basic Structure Cell membrane

OBJECTIVES: 05
Cell membrane: Composition
06
Fluid Mosaic Model

07 08
Neuron Nucleas Nucleolus

09 10
Function of nucleus Myelin Sheath & Nodes of Ranvier

11
Myelin Sheath and Nodes of Ranvier:
Functions
 Neuron
Neurons are nerve cells that send messages all
over your body to allow you to do everything
from breathing to talking, eating, walking, and
thinking.
Characteristics
Neurons are located in the brain and spinal cord, which are
organs of the central nervous system (CNS) and they are also
located throughout the rest of the body in the peripheral
nervous system (PNS).

The human brain contains around 86 billion neurons

(Herculano-Houzel, 2009).

The creation of new nerve cells is called neurogenesis. It’s

much more active when you’re an embryo. However,
research suggests that some neurogenesis occurs in adult
brains throughout our lives (Spalding et al., 2013)
Basic Structure
Cell membrane
The cell membrane surrounds the cell and is a selective
barrier between the interior and the exterior.

Its primary role lies in regulating the passage of substances,

including nutrients and waste materials.

Within it, specialized proteins play a crucial role in

facilitating molecular transport and cellular communication.
Composition
Lipid Bilayers:

· Double layer of phospholipid molecules arranged tail-to-tail MEMBRANE

· They have both hydrophilic (water-loving) head. They have hydrophobic PROTEINS
CARBOHYDRATE
(water-hating) tail. S
· This arrangement creates a barrier. It prevents water and other polar molecules
from freely crossing cell membrane.

Membrane proteins:

· Embedded in lipid bilayer

· Perform variety of functions
· It includes transport
· Signaling
· Structural support

Carbohydrates:
PHOSPHOLIPI
D
· Attached to some lipids, proteins on cell surface
· Involved in cell recognition
· Involved in communication
Fluid Mosaic Model
· Current model of cell membrane structure
· Describes cell membrane as dynamic structure
· In this, lipid bilayer and membrane proteins are
constantly moving
· Allows cell to respond to changes in its
environment
Allows to maintain its internal balance
NEURON NUCLEUS
The neuron nucleus is situated within the cell body, also
known as soma. It is spherical and ranges in diameter from 3
to 18 mm depending on the size of the neuron.

Nuclear envelope:
Double layered membrane enclosing nucleus.
Membranes are separated by narrow space called perinuclear
cisterna.

Nuclear pores:
Facilitate nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions (exchange of
genetic material)

Chromatin:
Mixture of DNA & proteins that form chromosomes and
genes.
NUCLEOLUS

NUCLEOLUS
Present in the center of nuclei.
It is a prominent, deeply stained spherical inclusion about
1/3rd the size of the nucleus.

Function:
The primary function of the nucleolus is ribosome
biogenesis.
It has a major role in protein synthesis and ribosome
assembly.
 Function of nucleus
Gene expression:
DNA contain genetic instruction necessary for neuron structure,
function & development. Nucleus control the synthesis of various
proteins & neurotransmitters.

DNA replication:
During cell division, it facilitates DNA replication ensuring
accurate transmission of genetic information. It enables growth
and repair neurons.

mRNA transport:
The mRNA molecules carry the blueprints for protein synthesis.
They influence the neurons' function and connectivity.

Ribosome assembly:
Nucleolus assemble the ribosome, responsible for protein
synthesis. It is vital for neuronal processes, including
neurotransmitter production & synaptic transmission.
Myelin Sheath
Myelin sheath is a fatty protective
membrane that wraps around the neuron.
It is composed of fat and protein that
coat around the axon.
Structure of Myelin Sheath:
• Myelin sheath is made up of
specialized cells called
oligodendrocytes in Central Nervous
System.
• In the peripheral nervous system
Myelin Sheath is made of Schwann
cells.
• Myelin sheath is composed of protein
channels called ion channels such as
sodium and potassium ions that cross
the membrane and create an electrical
signal.
Nodes of Ranvier
There are gaps in the myelin sheath
coating on the neural axon. These are
called Nodes of Ranvier that serves to
myelin sheath facilitate the rapid conduction of nerve
impulses.
• These nodes allow rapid conduction
of nerve impulse by allowing the
signal to travel from one node to the
next rather than travelling the entire
length of neuron.
• Nodes of Ranvier allow the nerve
impulses to recharge and travel
down the axon. Without nodes of
Ranvier the impulses would slow
down and eventually die out.
 Functions
Myelin Sheath
• It is a fatty -protein coating that provides protective
insulation for neurons that allows faster transmission
that enables the body to react quickly to stimulus and
coordinate movement efficiently.
• It is important for proper nerve function and
communication between different parts of the body.
• It allows electrical impulses to travel quickly and
efficiently along the nerve fiber.
• It maintains the strength of the impulse message as it
travels down the axon.
Nodes of Ranvier
• The nodes of Ranvier allow the effective propagation
of nerve impulse by allowing the ions to flow in and
out of the nerve cell.
• When the nerve impulse reaches the nodes of Ranvier
it triggers the opening of the ion channels that allow the
positively charged sodium ions to enter the cell.
• This creates an electrical charge that travels down the
nerve fiber to the next Node of Ranvier where the
process is repeated. The myelin sheath acts as an
insulator and prevents the charge from leaking out and
ensures that the impulse travels quickly.
THANKYOU!