How does the nervous system send and receive signals?

The nervous system is a complex network of cells and organs that helps to regulate and coordinate body functions. One of its most important functions is to send and receive signals throughout the body. These signals allow the body to respond to changes in the environment, move muscles, and perform a variety of other actions.

The nervous system is made up of two main types of cells: neurons and glial cells. Neurons are the cells that transmit signals, while glial cells provide support and insulation for the neurons.

When a neuron receives a signal, it generates an electrical impulse called an action potential. This action potential travels down the axon of the neuron and triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that allow the signal to be transmitted to other neurons or to a target cell, such as a muscle or gland.

The neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the target cell, causing a response that can be either excitatory or inhibitory. If the response is excitatory, it will cause the cell to become more likely to generate an action potential. If the response is inhibitory, it will make the cell less likely to generate an action potential.

Once the signal has been transmitted, the neurotransmitters are either broken down by enzymes or reabsorbed by the neuron that released them. This allows the signal to be terminated and the system to return to its resting state.