What is a neural system?

A neural system is an intricately organized network of specialized cells—primarily neurons, along with a variety of supportive glial cells—that processes and transmits information via electrical and chemical signals. In biological organisms, such systems underpin the entire nervous system, coordinating functions that range from basic reflexes to the complex interplay of perception, thought, and behavior. Early studies in neurobiology revealed that even simple neural circuits can generate coordinated responses, while modern neuroscience has shown that vast, hierarchically structured networks (such as the central and peripheral nervous systems) are responsible for the rich tapestry of animal behavior and cognition

Types of functions

Sensory systems represent information about the state of the organism and its environment. Motor systems organize and generate actions. Associational systems link the sensory and motor sides of the nervous system.

The Gene look.

At the beginning, scientists attempted to look for details of what made humans what we are, what made us intelligent. One clear indicator that influences that is the generic code.

  • Worm has around 20k genes.
  • Drosophila around 15k
  • Mouse 27k
  • Humans 35k Most of the genes are expressed in the developing and living brain.

Neither the size of the brain. Another possibility is the ratio between the size of the brain and the body size. Another possible parameter is the density of the neural connections.

TODO: continue on this, very superficial until now.

The postgenomic era

One of the most promising dividends of sequencing the human genome has been the realization that one or a few genes, when altered (mutated), can begin to explain some aspects of neurological and psychiatric diseases.