ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the topic of neurones, identifies different types of neurone, and discusses nerve impulses, neurotransmitters and types of nerve fibre ending. It examines the function of nerve endings and describes the electrical and chemical factors essential in the functioning of nerve tissue. The nervous system is the system of communication between the various parts of the body. The neurone is the unit on which the nervous system is built. Cells and fibres are bound together by a special type of connective tissue known as neuroglia—this binds them into a solid but very soft and delicate tissue. Efferent neurones carry impulses from the brain to the tissues. A synapse permits passage of an impulse in one direction only and offers some resistance to its passage. However, in the pharmacology of pain it must be remembered that the dendrites of the adjacent neurones do not actually touch the axon.
