Neural pathway

Neural Pathway

A Neural Pathway (pronunciation: /ˈnʊərəl ˈpeɪθweɪ/) refers to the series of neurons connected by synapses, allowing electrical or chemical signals to pass from one neuron to another, facilitating communication within the nervous system.

Etymology

The term "Neural Pathway" is derived from the Greek word "neuron" meaning "nerve" and the English word "pathway" which refers to a route or track between two places.

Definition

A Neural Pathway is a series of interconnected neurons along which electrical impulses and information travel. These pathways are crucial for the functioning of the brain and the entire nervous system, enabling the transmission of signals that control a wide range of functions, from simple reflexes to complex cognitive processes.

Types of Neural Pathways

There are three main types of neural pathways:

Afferent Pathways: These carry nerve impulses from sensory stimuli towards the central nervous system and brain.
Efferent Pathways: These carry nerve impulses away from the central nervous system and brain to effectors such as muscles and glands.
Interneuron Pathways: These connect neurons within specific regions of the central nervous system.

Related Terms

Neuron: The basic working unit of the brain, a specialized cell designed to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells.
Synapse: 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 complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body.
Brain: An organ that serves as the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals.