Neural activity

Neural Activity

Neural activity (pronunciation: /ˈnʊərəl ækˈtɪvɪti/) refers to the combined electrical actions of the neurons in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. This activity is responsible for the functionality of the nervous system, including thought, sensation, and movement.

Etymology

The term "neural" is derived from the Greek word "neuron" which means "nerve". "Activity" comes from the Latin word "activus", meaning "active". Together, they describe the active state of the nerves or neurons.

Related Terms

• Neuron: A neuron, also known as a nerve cell, is an electrically excitable cell that communicates with other cells via specialized connections called synapses.

• Synapse: A synapse is a structure that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or to the target effector cell.

• Nervous System: The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body.

• Electrical Impulse: An electrical impulse is a sudden change in the electrical state of a cell membrane, usually caused by a change in the cell's environment.

• Brain: The brain is an organ that serves as the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals.

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Neurophysiology
• Neurotransmitter
• Action Potential

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