The synapse is a very small space between two neurons and is an important site where communication between neurons occurs. Once neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, they travel across the small space and bind with corresponding receptors on the dendrite of an adjacent neuron.

The myelin sheath wraps around the fibers that are the long threadlike part of a nerve cell. The sheath protects these fibers, known as axons, a lot like the insulation around an electrical wire. When the myelin sheath is healthy, nerve signals are sent and received quickly.

Santiago Ramon y Cajal

The gap between two neurons called synapse, helps in quick transmission of impulses from one neuron to another. Always one-way communication i.e. unidirectional, transmitting from pre-synaptic to post-synaptic neurons. Can be used to calsculate timing of sensory inputs. Greater plasticity.

The nervous system as a whole is divided into two subdivisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Three types of peripheral nerves can be found within the two main areas of the peripheral nervous system:

• Sensory: Connects the brain and spinal cord to your skin and allow you to feel pain and other sensations.
• Autonomic: Controls involuntary function (e.g., blood pressure, digestion, heart rate).

Central Nervous System – what does the brain and spinal cord do?

• maintaining homeostasis.
• interpreting sensory information.
• creating motor responses (movement)
• learning.
• thinking.
• talking.

“Having brain farts is just part of being human,” suggests an article for Discover magazine. Studies indicate that our brains conserve energy when we’re doing something repetitive. These little breaks happen right before the memory lapse.