Subjects
Biology
Chemistry
AP Chemistry
English
AP English Literature
39
•
Nov 27, 2025
•
Vanita Rabsatt
@v_maeee
Welcome to the fascinating world of neuroscience! This chapter explores... Show more
Ever wonder how your brain sends messages throughout your body? It's all thanks to neurons, the specialized cells that form your brain's communication network. Each neuron has several key parts that work together to transmit information.
The soma (cell body) keeps the neuron alive and contains its nucleus. Information travels along the axon, which sends signals to other neurons. Many axons are covered with a myelin sheath that acts like insulation on electrical wires, speeding up message transmission.
At the end of the axon, you'll find the synaptic knob (also called terminal button), which stores chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals are released from tiny sacs called vesicles and travel across the synaptic gap to reach the dendrites of another neuron, which receive the information.
💡 Fun Fact: If all the neurons in your brain were lined up end to end, they would stretch about 600 miles! That's roughly the distance from Boston to Washington, DC.
Think of your neurons as having two states: resting and action potential. During resting potential, the neuron is quiet, like a light switch that's turned off. When stimulated, it switches to action potential, sending an electrical signal down the axon. This system works on an "all or none" principle—either the neuron fires completely or not at all.
Your brain has several major regions, each with specific responsibilities. The frontal lobe controls your personality, planning, and decision-making. Within it, the left side contains Broca's area, which helps you produce speech. The parietal lobe processes touch and body position, while the occipital lobe handles visual information.
The temporal lobe processes hearing and contains Wernicke's area on the left side, which helps you understand speech. Meanwhile, the cerebellum coordinates balance and smooth movement, and the spinal cord manages involuntary functions like breathing.
💡 Memory Tip: To remember that the occipital lobe handles vision, note that both "occipital" and "optometrist" (eye doctor) start with "o"!
Your ability to communicate depends on two crucial brain areas. Broca's area in the frontal lobe helps you produce speech—damage here means you might understand language but struggle to speak. Wernicke's area in the temporal lobe helps you comprehend speech—damage here means you can speak but might not understand what others are saying.
The nervous system is divided into two main parts. The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of your brain and spinal cord—think of it as the command center. The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes all the nerves that branch out from your CNS to the rest of your body.
The PNS itself branches into two systems: the Somatic Nervous System, which controls voluntary movements like walking or talking, and the Autonomic Nervous System, which handles automatic functions that you don't consciously control.
💡 Real-World Connection: When you're playing sports, your somatic nervous system controls your deliberate movements, while your autonomic system keeps your heart beating faster to supply oxygen to your muscles!
Your body has an amazing ability to respond to different situations automatically, thanks to the Autonomic Nervous System. This system works behind the scenes, controlling functions you don't have to think about, like digestion, breathing, and heart rate.
The Autonomic System has two complementary branches. The Sympathetic Nervous System activates your "fight-or-flight" response when you're stressed or in danger. It's like your body's gas pedal—increasing your heart rate, dilating pupils, and releasing adrenaline to help you respond to threats.
On the flip side, the Parasympathetic Nervous System acts as your body's brake pedal, helping you "rest and digest." It slows your heart rate, increases digestion, and generally calms your body down after the threat has passed. The name can be remembered by thinking of a parachute gently lowering you down to a calm state.
💡 Everyday Example: Have you ever felt your heart racing before a big test (sympathetic) and then felt relief wash over you when it's finished (parasympathetic)? That's your autonomic nervous system in action!
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Vanita Rabsatt
@v_maeee
Welcome to the fascinating world of neuroscience! This chapter explores how your brain and nervous system work together to control everything you do, from conscious decisions to automatic functions like breathing and heartbeat.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ever wonder how your brain sends messages throughout your body? It's all thanks to neurons, the specialized cells that form your brain's communication network. Each neuron has several key parts that work together to transmit information.
The soma (cell body) keeps the neuron alive and contains its nucleus. Information travels along the axon, which sends signals to other neurons. Many axons are covered with a myelin sheath that acts like insulation on electrical wires, speeding up message transmission.
At the end of the axon, you'll find the synaptic knob (also called terminal button), which stores chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals are released from tiny sacs called vesicles and travel across the synaptic gap to reach the dendrites of another neuron, which receive the information.
💡 Fun Fact: If all the neurons in your brain were lined up end to end, they would stretch about 600 miles! That's roughly the distance from Boston to Washington, DC.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Think of your neurons as having two states: resting and action potential. During resting potential, the neuron is quiet, like a light switch that's turned off. When stimulated, it switches to action potential, sending an electrical signal down the axon. This system works on an "all or none" principle—either the neuron fires completely or not at all.
Your brain has several major regions, each with specific responsibilities. The frontal lobe controls your personality, planning, and decision-making. Within it, the left side contains Broca's area, which helps you produce speech. The parietal lobe processes touch and body position, while the occipital lobe handles visual information.
The temporal lobe processes hearing and contains Wernicke's area on the left side, which helps you understand speech. Meanwhile, the cerebellum coordinates balance and smooth movement, and the spinal cord manages involuntary functions like breathing.
💡 Memory Tip: To remember that the occipital lobe handles vision, note that both "occipital" and "optometrist" (eye doctor) start with "o"!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Your ability to communicate depends on two crucial brain areas. Broca's area in the frontal lobe helps you produce speech—damage here means you might understand language but struggle to speak. Wernicke's area in the temporal lobe helps you comprehend speech—damage here means you can speak but might not understand what others are saying.
The nervous system is divided into two main parts. The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of your brain and spinal cord—think of it as the command center. The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes all the nerves that branch out from your CNS to the rest of your body.
The PNS itself branches into two systems: the Somatic Nervous System, which controls voluntary movements like walking or talking, and the Autonomic Nervous System, which handles automatic functions that you don't consciously control.
💡 Real-World Connection: When you're playing sports, your somatic nervous system controls your deliberate movements, while your autonomic system keeps your heart beating faster to supply oxygen to your muscles!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Your body has an amazing ability to respond to different situations automatically, thanks to the Autonomic Nervous System. This system works behind the scenes, controlling functions you don't have to think about, like digestion, breathing, and heart rate.
The Autonomic System has two complementary branches. The Sympathetic Nervous System activates your "fight-or-flight" response when you're stressed or in danger. It's like your body's gas pedal—increasing your heart rate, dilating pupils, and releasing adrenaline to help you respond to threats.
On the flip side, the Parasympathetic Nervous System acts as your body's brake pedal, helping you "rest and digest." It slows your heart rate, increases digestion, and generally calms your body down after the threat has passed. The name can be remembered by thinking of a parachute gently lowering you down to a calm state.
💡 Everyday Example: Have you ever felt your heart racing before a big test (sympathetic) and then felt relief wash over you when it's finished (parasympathetic)? That's your autonomic nervous system in action!
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
0
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
AP Psychology unit 2 topic of learning about the brain quick vocabulary review study sheet.
AP PsychologyNotes go in depth on the nervous system, central nervous system (CNS), Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), Neurons, and signal transmission.
AP PsychologyDifferent types of neurons and neurotransmitters
AP PsychologyExplore the mechanisms of neuronal communication, focusing on the structure and function of neurons, synaptic transmission, and the roles of neurotransmitters. This summary covers key concepts such as action potentials, excitatory and inhibitory synapses, and the process of synaptic transmission, providing a comprehensive understanding of how signals are transmitted within the nervous system.
PsychologyExplore the mechanisms of synaptic transmission, including action potentials, neurotransmitter functions, and the roles of excitatory and inhibitory signals. This summary covers key concepts such as synapse structure, neurotransmitter types, and their impact on neuronal communication.
PsychologyThey look into neurotransmitters, what they do in the brain and how they function.
PsychologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
