For all you braniac kids who love science just as much as I do.

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/aptfea6yteg

Hi! My name is Nate Neuronic. I need help. I have a test tomorrow about the nerve system but I don't think my brain can put any more information!

Yawn. I'm so sleepy. I still have so much more to study! Maybe a five minute break wont be so bad. Right?

*Snores* *snores*

Where am I?

You are inside your brain!

Who are you guys?

We are nerve cells. Some people call us neurons. Nerve cells or neurons, you can call us whatever.

Cool! I'm learning about neurons at school. A neuron is one type of cell in the brain.

We are just three of the 100 billion neurons in your brain. We make connections in your brain that process and store information. There are three types of us; sensory neurons, interneurons and motor neurons.

Can you guys give me a tour of my brain! I have a big test, I need to learn more about the nervous system.

Sure, we don't get much visitors! Come and follow us.

Remind me. How do neurons work?

We have four basic parts. Let's go and meet them.

Dendrites receive signals from other neurons. Then, information is passed to the cell body. Next, the information leaves the cell body through the axon. Then the axon sends new signals to the synaptic terminal.

Is it true that neurons can't touch other? So if neurons don't touch, how do you get information from each other?

Stay away from me!

It is definitely true! And I will explain how!

There is a small space between two neurons. This area is called a synapse. Neurons are almost like batteries. They make their own electricity. This electricity signal is sent down the axon.

When the electrical signal reaches the synaptic terminal, chemicals are released. Then, the chemicals attack themselves to special places on a dendrite, another electrical signal is made.

I understand now. A neuron uses electrical signals and chemical signals to send messages.