Nose

Nose

The nose is a sensory organ primarily responsible for the sense of smell (olfaction) and plays a significant role in respiration. It is composed of several structures that work together to detect and process odours and filter, warm, and humidify the air we breathe. Structure of the Nose The nose is a critical organ for … Read more

Receptors (Neuroreceptor)

Receptors (Neuroreceptor) are specialized proteins located on the surface of neurons and other cells in the nervous system. They play a crucial role in communication between neurons by detecting and responding to signaling molecules such as neurotransmitters, hormones, and other chemical messengers. Types of Receptors: Ionotropic Receptors (Neuroreceptor): Also known as ligand-gated ion channels. When … Read more

Ear

Structure of Ear

The ear is a sensory organ responsible for detecting sound and maintaining balance. It is divided into three main parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear. Each part plays a crucial role in the process of hearing and balance. Structure of the Ear It is divided into three main sections, each with distinct functions in … Read more

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in transmitting signals between neurons in the nervous system. Released by the presynaptic neuron at a synapse, they diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. This binding can either excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron, influencing the likelihood of … Read more

Eye

Structure of Eye

The eye is a complex sensory organ responsible for detecting light and converting it into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as visual information. The human eye has several components that work together to facilitate the process of vision. Structure of the Eye The human eye is a complex organ responsible for vision, made … Read more

Nerve Plexuses & Reflex Actions

Nerve Plexuses & Reflex Actions

Nerve Plexuses In the context of Nerve Plexuses & Reflex Actions, a nerve plexus is a complex network of intersecting nerves that redistributes fibers from multiple spinal nerves, enabling shared sensory and motor functions. The four major nerve plexuses are: 1.Cervical Plexus (C1-C4): Located in the neck, supplies muscles and skin of the neck and … Read more

Cranial Nerves

Cranial Nerves

Origin of the Cranial Nerves Cranial nerves emerge directly from the brain or brainstem. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, each with a specific number and name based on its function and location. The numbering of cranial nerves is based on their position from anterior (front) to posterior (back): Cranial Nerves I and II: … Read more

Spinal Nerves

Spinal Nerves

Origin of the Spinal Nerves Spinal nerves originate from the spinal cord, specifically from the spinal segments. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, categorized based on the regions of the spine: 8 cervical nerves (C1-C8) 12 thoracic nerves (T1-T12) 5 lumbar nerves (L1-L5) 5 sacral nerves (S1-S5) 1 coccygeal nerve (Co1) Each spinal nerve … Read more

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

Structure of the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) originates from the craniosacral region: it arises from the brainstem (cranial nerves) and sacral spinal cord (S2-S4). Cranial nerves involved include the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), which innervates most thoracic and abdominal organs. Sacral nerves primarily innervate the pelvic organs. Preganglionic neurons: … Read more

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Structure of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) originates from the thoracolumbar region of the spinal cord (T1-L2). Its nerve fibers arise from neurons in the lateral horn of the spinal cord. Preganglionic neurons: These are shorter neurons that exit the spinal cord and travel to a sympathetic ganglion (a cluster … Read more