What is the Difference Between Neurons and Neurotransmitters?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The primary difference between neurons and neurotransmitters is that neurons are cells in the body responsible for transmitting signals, while neurotransmitters are chemical compounds released by neurons to facilitate communication with other neurons or cells.
Neurons:
- Neurons are nerve cells that transmit signals within the body.
- They are responsible for transmitting information between different parts of the body.
- Neurons do not touch each other; instead, they use small biochemical molecules known as neurotransmitters to communicate.
Neurotransmitters:
- Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry messages from one nerve cell to the next nerve, muscle, or gland cell.
- They play a crucial role in various functions of the nervous system, such as moving limbs, feeling sensations, keeping the heart beating, and responding to information from other parts of the body.
- There are at least 100 known neurotransmitters, and they can be classified into types based on their chemical nature.
- Neurotransmitters influence a neuron in one of three ways: excitatory (promoting the generation of an action potential), inhibitory (preventing the generation of an action potential), or modulatory (affecting large numbers of neurons at once).
In summary, neurons are cells that transmit signals within the body, while neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons to facilitate communication with other neurons or cells.
Comparative Table: Neurons vs Neurotransmitters
Here is a table comparing neurons and neurotransmitters:
| Feature | Neurons | Neurotransmitters |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Neurons are specialized cells that generate electrical signals and transmit information within the nervous system. | Neurotransmitters are small biochemical molecules that facilitate the transmission of signals through synapses (gaps between neurons). |
| Function | Neurons transmit signals between different parts of the body, connecting the brain and spinal cord. | Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers between neurons, relaying signals across synapses. |
| Structure | Neurons consist of a cell body, dendrites, and axons. | Neurotransmitters are stored within small vesicles in neurons. |
| Connection | Neurons do not touch with each other; there are gaps between them known as synapses. | Neurotransmitters are released from the terminal buttons of one neuron into the synaptic cleft and mediate the passing of signals to the next neuron. |
| Types | There are various types of neurons, including sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons. | There are at least 100 known neurotransmitters, with more likely to be discovered. |
Neurons and neurotransmitters are essential components of the nervous system, working together to transmit signals and information throughout the body. Neurons are the cells responsible for generating and transmitting electrical signals, while neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that facilitate the transmission of these signals between neurons.
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