The fundamental units of the nervous system are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the body. These cells, through electrical and chemical signals, facilitate communication between different regions, enabling sensory perception, motor control, and cognitive processes. For example, the rapid withdrawal of a hand from a hot surface is a result of these cells relaying signals from the sensory receptors in the hand to the spinal cord and then to the muscles in the arm.
Understanding these cells is crucial in the field of psychology as they are the biological basis for all behavior and mental processes. The efficiency and integrity of these cellular networks directly influence learning, memory, emotion, and overall psychological well-being. Historically, studying these cells has allowed researchers to develop treatments for neurological and psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease.
