What are Insects? Definition of Insects Insects are small, six-legged invertebrates belonging to the class Insecta. They have a three-part body (head, thorax, and abdomen), a chitinous exoskeleton, compound eyes, and a pair of antennae. Insects are the most diverse group of animals, with over a million species, and play crucial roles in ecosystems as … Read more
What is Smell? The Organs of Smell The organs of smell primarily involve the olfactory system, which is responsible for detecting and processing odors. Unlike common misconceptions, the nose itself does not perform the act of smelling; rather, it serves as a conduit for air to reach specialized cells within the nasal cavity. The key … Read more
What is Taste? The Organs of Taste The organs of taste are essential in helping humans detect and differentiate between various flavors. While the tongue is the primary organ associated with taste, other areas such as the palate, pharynx, and epiglottis also play a role in the tasting process. Additionally, odors from food contribute to … Read more
The nervous system represents one of the most intricate and essential systems in multicellular organisms, functioning as the primary coordinator of actions, sensory information, and responses to environmental stimuli. This complex network is responsible for detecting changes in the environment, processing that information, and enabling organisms to react accordingly, working closely with the endocrine system … Read more
What are Neurotransmitters? Definition of Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons or from neurons to other target cells, such as muscle or gland cells, across synapses, helping regulate various functions in the nervous system. Properties of Neurotransmitter Below are key properties that define neurotransmitters and their role in neural communication. Types … Read more
What is Synapse? Definition of Synapse A synapse is a junction between two neurons or between a neuron and an effector cell, such as a muscle cell, that allows for the transmission of electrical or chemical signals. It consists of a presynaptic terminal, a synaptic cleft, and a postsynaptic terminal, facilitating communication within the nervous … Read more
What is Action Potential? Definition of action potential An action potential is defined as a rapid, transient change in the electrical membrane potential of a neuron, characterized by a brief depolarization followed by repolarization. This process allows neurons to transmit signals over long distances. It occurs when the membrane potential reaches a critical threshold, leading … Read more
What is Neuronal Membrane? Components of Neuronal Membrane Cytosol and Extracellular Fluid The cytosol and extracellular fluid are essential environments for neuronal function, as they provide the medium for the movement of ions, which generate the electrical signals vital to neuron activity. The presence of water, along with ions dissolved in it, plays a critical … Read more
What are Dendrites? Definition of Dendrites Dendrites are branched extensions of neurons that receive and process incoming signals from other neurons, facilitating communication within the nervous system. They transmit electrical impulses toward the cell body and play a crucial role in integrating synaptic inputs to generate action potentials. Characteristics features of Dendrites The following characteristics … Read more
What is Axon? Definition of Axon An axon is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell (neuron) that transmits electrical impulses, known as action potentials, away from the neuron’s cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands, facilitating communication within the nervous system. Characteristics features of Axon Axons are vital structures in the nervous … Read more
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