The adult brain averages 86 billion (∼10 11 ) neurons plus an equal number of nonneuronal support cells according to recent estimates. Each neuron can make thousands of terminal contacts, meaning that there are 10 14 to 10 15 connections…
Membranes composed of a lipid bilayer enclose all cells in the body as well as all the organelles within those cells. Being lipid, these membranes are impermeant to small ions and macromolecules alike. A variety of transport proteins, selected from…
The number of cells in the adult human central nervous system (CNS) has been estimated at 100 billion. All arise from a relatively small population of precursors, yet a diversity of cell types is seen in the adult. Their most…
Our nervous system makes us what we are. Personality, outlook, intellect, coordination, and the many other characteristics are the result of complex interactions within our nervous system. Information is received from the environment and transmitted into the brain or spinal…