Interneurons
Interneurons
Interneurons (pronounced: in-ter-neu-rons), also known as relay neurons or association neurons, are a type of neuron that transmit signals between other neurons. They are found predominantly in the brain and spinal cord and make up the majority of neurons in the nervous system.
Etymology
The term "interneuron" is derived from the Latin inter, meaning "between", and neuron, meaning "nerve". This reflects the role of interneurons in transmitting signals between other neurons.
Function
Interneurons play a crucial role in the functioning of the nervous system. They receive signals from sensory neurons and transmit these signals to motor neurons, which then carry out the appropriate response. Interneurons also play a role in reflex actions, where they transmit signals from sensory neurons directly to motor neurons without the need for processing in the brain.
Types of Interneurons
There are several types of interneurons, each with a different function. These include:
- Inhibitory interneurons: These interneurons inhibit the activity of other neurons, preventing them from firing.
- Excitatory interneurons: These interneurons increase the activity of other neurons, encouraging them to fire.
- Modulatory interneurons: These interneurons modulate the activity of other neurons, either increasing or decreasing their activity depending on the situation.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Interneurons
- Wikipedia's article - Interneurons
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