The nervous system uses mainly neuron cells to communicate. The neuron communicated "electrically" through what is called an action potential (basically an electric "signal" that travels along a neuron), this is generated when an appropriate stimulus (on a cellular level) brings the axon hillock region of the neuron to an electrical potential difference (between inside and outside of cell) of -55mV. This triggers the electrically triggered Na+ (sodium ion) gates to open, this causes a massive flow of a + charged ion into a region of the cell, making it more positive there, which triggers another electrically gated Na+ channel right next to it (closer to the "end" of neuron), then the flow of Na+ ions in to that region open the gates next to it....ect. This repeats until the "signal" has traveled all the way down to the "end" of the neuron. The "signal" is really information.
Neurons can use chemicals to communicate too, these chemicals are called neurocrines. They can work like hormones (long distance commun. and travel through the blood stream), or they can work on a very short distance (neurotransmitters). I will give an example using AcH (acetyl choline, a neurotransmitter used in many cases, including muscle contraction). When you think about moving your arm, action potentials are generated in your brain and travel along other neurons (through spinal cord, and through/into arm) and end up right above certain parts of muscle cells. they stop just above but don't touch your muscles. then as the action potential reaches the end of the neuron, the "electrical signal" is converted into a chemical signal (by devices in the neuron looking for specific voltages before "production" begins). Then this chemical (AcH or ACh) is released from the end of the neuron right over the muscle cell (this region is called the synaptic cleft). The AcH travels a very very short distance and then binds to receptors on the muscle cell, stimulating the muscle cell to begin the contraction process, the action potentials are coming one after another as fast as they can (there is a limit). so when you hold you arm out, your muscles not getting a continual signal telling it to stay contracted, but a series of signals, and so in the space between the neuron and muscle cell a chemical is released (by the muscle cell) that's breaks down the AcH in such a way that the muscle cell thinks its getting a continuous signal. I got a little off topic but i wanted to explain why the space was there.
Smell
Neurons themselves are not chemical messages; rather, they are specialized cells that transmit electrical impulses. When a neuron communicates with another neuron, it releases neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that cross the synapse to relay information. These neurotransmitters can influence the activity of the receiving neuron, ultimately affecting how signals are processed in the brain. Therefore, while neurons send signals, the chemical messages are the neurotransmitters they release.
nervous system, specifically through specialized cells called neurons. Neurons transmit electrical impulses along their length by using a combination of chemical and electrical signaling. These signals allow for communication between different parts of the body and are fundamental for processes like movement, sensation, and thought.
There are a few things that pass message from the ear to the brain. The most likely answer is the ear canal.
Chemical signals sent between individuals are known as pheromones. These are chemical substances that are produced and released into the environment by one individual to affect the behavior or physiology of another individual of the same species. Pheromones play a role in various social interactions, such as mating, alarm responses, and territory marking.
Information is sent to neurons primarily through synapses, where neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminals of one neuron and bind to receptors on the dendrites of another. This chemical signaling facilitates the transmission of signals across the synaptic gap, allowing the receiving neuron to generate an electrical impulse if the signal is strong enough. Additionally, sensory receptors can directly convert environmental stimuli into electrical signals that neurons can process.
The brain interprets the messages sent by different nerves through a complex network of neurons that communicate through electrical and chemical signals. Different regions of the brain are responsible for processing specific types of sensory information and integrating it to create a coherent perception of the world.
Neurons do not send impulses continuously; instead, they transmit signals in a discrete manner through action potentials. These action potentials occur when a neuron reaches a certain threshold of depolarization, leading to a rapid change in membrane potential. After firing, the neuron enters a refractory period during which it cannot fire another impulse, ensuring that signals are sent in a controlled and regulated fashion. This mechanism allows for precise communication between neurons and prevents continuous firing.
Impulses are sent from the brain to the effector organs along motor neurons. These motor neurons are part of the peripheral nervous system and carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, allowing for coordinated movement and responses.
Nerves in the backbone carry messages through electrical signals sent by neurons. These neurons transmit information from the brain to the rest of the body and vice versa, allowing for communication and coordination of bodily functions.
The point of communication between two neurons is called a synapse. At the synapse, the sending neuron releases neurotransmitters into the tiny gap between the two neurons, which then bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, triggering an electrical signal to be sent down the receiving neuron. This process allows for communication and transmission of information between neurons in the brain and nervous system.
Reflex actions are due to messages sent by the nervous system, specifically through spinal cord pathways. When a stimulus is detected, sensory neurons transmit signals to the spinal cord, where interneurons facilitate an immediate response by sending signals to motor neurons. This process allows for a quick, involuntary reaction without the need for conscious thought, enabling rapid responses to potentially harmful situations.