Give 1 or 2 examples of how evaluation of a theory can help you Article

Give 1 or 2 examples of how evaluation of a theory can help you understand the importance of theory in nursing - Article Example As an example, when a nurse wants to understand how to better work with patients, there are many theories that provide a model of how this work can be done. As an example, Brant, Beck and Miaskowski (2010) evaluated the Theory of Symptom Management (TSM) and provided insight on why this evaluation was important. The authors state that understanding more about the interventions that are used in TSM provide a better way for nurses to develop other interventions. In this case, understanding a few ways that symptoms of some diseases are managed, can bring about other ways of managing these diseases. Another reason that theories are important to understand is because it can lead nurses to the discovery of other diseases and how to handle them. As an example, Boggatz and Dassen (2011) provide information on a conceptual model for understanding why older people use nursing care. Their study is important because it showed what to look for when working with older people. They point out that seeking care is a self-care process in some respects, so it becomes more important to understand older people’s motivation for seeking care. This information can also provide reasons that older people do not seek treatment. Brant, J., Beck, S., & Miaskowski, C. (2010). Building dynamic models and theories to advance the science of symptom management research. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 66(1), 228-240. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05179.x Marlaine, C. S. (2001). Analysis and evaluation of contemporary nursing knowledge: Nursing models and theories. Nursing and Health Care Perspectives, 22(2), 92-92. Retrieved from

Webquest Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Webquest - Assignment Example In his theory of cognitive development, Piaget relates the development process of children to different cultures and visualizes their environments of growth. Piaget describes the development stages to undergo the following process Assimilation - Assimilation stage is acquired at birth when a child conceptualizes the reflexes that transform gradually pertaining to the environment where one grows up. It mainly constitutes determination of schema that varies according to a particular situation (Wadsworth, 2004). Equilibrium - Piaget describes equilibrium as determinants enhancing human development process. Piaget articulates that it is never a direct process because different challenges are associated with it. For instance, every stage of development that is coupled by retarded challenges may require replacement by alternative schemas (Wadsworth, 2004). Oral stage - It requires the development stage of duration from birth to a maximum of 1 year. This period determines the principle part of social development where the body seeks to acquire its form of pleasure thus entail behaviors such as chewing of button and biting of nails (Seorang, 2014). Anal stage - This is the stage between one to two years where much of the development is relayed on mastery of the right behavioral practices. At this stage, for instance, a child gets to understand toilet manners and desist from attending to their clothes (Seorang, 2014). Phallic stage - It forms the third stage of human social and emotional development. It mainly focuses on sexuality and the determinants to identify the difference in the genital composition. According to Sigmund, the scene draws many conflicts as boys develop sexual feelings towards their mothers with a comparative fear that their fathers’ who are against such feelings may punish them (Seorang, 2014). Latency stage - This stage embraces numerous skills development and related activities with much sexual motivation

Importance of Teamwork in Nursing Essay Example for Free

Importance of Teamwork in Nursing Essay Teamwork involves the merging of members of the same or different professions or domains to work towards a common goal. This group compliments the skills of each member who are consequently committed to one purpose. Teamwork is therefore challenging and at the same time rewarding. It is coupled with a lot of enthusiasm, hope and a share of its own setbacks. Teamwork is initially formed in any particular group with an aim of dividing the effort of accomplishing a particular task while at the same instance multiplying the effect. Any positive work experience usually has an aspect of teamwork in it. Nurses make up the largest care-provider in a hospital setting thus nursing is a job that requires a lot of teamwork. This involves a nurse to nurse or a nurse to physician teamwork. In most cases, the nursing workforce is neglected by the administration involved due to the anticipation of the patients’ recuperation and recovery, thus nurturing a form of autonomy among the workforce. This serves in downsizing the emphasis on teamwork and this happens at the very expense of the same patients. Service delivery is paramount in the field of nursing and teamwork is one of the core determiners of good service delivery. Teamwork among any group, on the other hand, is determined by various factors. These include openness, responsibility, honesty, accountability, reliability, dialogue and understanding. All this factors have to be put to consideration while putting together a coherent team. A slight disregard of any would see to the failure of the team to deliver as expected. Teamwork does come with its own set of challenges that inhibit the delivery of good service by the team. These mainly occur as a result of conflict among the members of the team which is in turn rooted on differences pertaining distribution of duty, sharing, priority and unnecessary competition. Poor handling of such issues often leads to the occurrence of many mistakes, mistrust among the team members, confusion, wastage of resources, lack of motivation, time wastage and lots of arguments that hold no water. More often than not, it is the patients who bear the yoke of such disagreements as the service rendered to them is henceforth substandard and this plunges their lives into jeopardy. Fallouts are common at this stage since the restructuring of these nursing teams would mean loss of time and complete loss of motivation among the team members. Precautions are therefore very necessary to avoid such grave situations as they do put the lives of others at stake. Adjustments should be made at the slightest sign of unrest among the team members. Sharing responsibility equally is usually the first major leap by any group. Matters pertaining age, seniority and level of experience should not be used to condescend against some members. On the contrary, the members should maximize on the potential that comes with these various facets of diversity and others like gender, socio-cultural and economic backgrounds. Put together, all this facets can give rise to a whole new of teamwork with a lot of diversity which would lead to the conception of new ideas. The approach of issues proactively rather than reactively is also a worthwhile measure to counter these challenges. Prevention has always worked better than cure and this is also the same convention with proactive action. The team members are charged with the task of ensuring that any prevailing or looming predicaments are brought to the light before they turn ugly and cause rifts within the team. This serves in ensuring that little or no time is lost in the process of solving problems. Letting the issues accrue and the procrastination of dealing with them ends up in the wastage of time and patients bearing the lion’s share of these problems due to the poor service delivery. Cultivating a culture of dialogue is another way of avoiding conflict in the course of teamwork. When a team embraces dialogue, prevalent issues are addressed and solved amicably. Positive criticism ensures that everyone can correct each other without any hard feelings. When criticism is directed towards a person positively, he or she is bound to make the amends wherever the error occurs. Gradual technological enhancement and restructuring the team every now and then is necessary in order to avoid monotony. This reignites the team with zeal thus ensuring a rise in quality service delivery. Clarity on the roles of each team member would also do some good. This would help in avoiding the confusion especially if the team has numerous members. Morale on the side of the administration would also improve the team’s service delivery. This could be done through the formation of some form of healthy inter-teams competitions that would see the appreciation of the team that is best at service delivery. Incentives can also be brought to the picture. This would actually ensure that the teams work hard to outdo each other and thus better their teamwork in this process. An improvement in the teamwork among the nurses would have some major effects in service to the patients. There would be definitely be an improved client-service delivery, improved relationships between team members and consequently with the administration. These healthcare institutions would also unveil a wider range of services due to the time efficient system. In conclusion, teamwork in nursing is sacrosanct since it is a profession that deals with lives of people. An improvement in service delivery therefore means that the clients are in safer hands. Reference: Institute for Innovation and Improvement, (March, 2007): Developing and sustaining effective teams. ISBN 9781904114482, Royal College of Nursing, Retrieved on 3rd April 2009 from: http://www. rcn. org. uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/78735/003115. pdf,

Recommendations For Teenage Drug Addiction Social Essay

Recommendations For Teenage Drug Addiction Social Essay Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual who is addicted and to those around them. Many people do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse. They mistakenly view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social problem and may characterize those who take drugs as morally weak. One very common belief is that drug abusers should be able to just stop taking drugs if they are only willing to change their behavior. What people often underestimate is the complexity of drug addiction-that it is a disease that impacts the brain and because of that, stopping drug abuse is not simply a matter of willpower. Through scientific advances we now know much more about how exactly drugs work in the brain, and we also know that drug addiction can be successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs and resume their producti ve lives. People who are suffering emotionally use drugs, not so much for the rush, but to escape from their problems. They are trying to self-medicate themselves out of loneliness, low self-esteem, unhappy relationships, or stress.    This is a pattern that too often leads to drug abuse and addiction. Drug abuse and addiction are a major burden to society. Drug awareness and drug testing are two of the most powerful deterrents in identifying and preventing teen drug abuse. These are the three criteria to consider when there is a problem of drug abuse in teens. Awareness/Identification Prevention Eradication Awareness/ Identification: Clear communication by parents about the negative physical, emotional, and functional effects of drugs, as well as about their expectations regarding drug use have been found to significantly decrease substance abuse in teens. Adequate parental supervision has also been found to be a deterrent to drug use in youth. Specifically, parents knowing how, where, and with whom adolescents socialize, as well as limiting their childrens access to substances that can be abused have been associated with less teenage drug use. Limiting the amount of alcohol, cleaning solutions (inhalants), prescription, and over-the-counter medications that are kept in the home to amounts that can be closely monitored and accounted for has also been found to decrease substance abuse by teens. How can you tell if your child is using drugs or alcohol? It is difficult because changes in mood or attitudes, unusual temper outbursts, changes in sleeping habits and changes in hobbies or other interests are common in teens. What should you look for?    You can also look for signs of depression, withdrawal, carelessness with grooming or hostility. Also ask yourself, is your child doing well in school, getting along with friends, taking part in sports or other activities? These changes often signal that something harmful is going on-and often that involves alcohol or drugs. You may want to take your child to the doctor and ask him or her about screening your child for drugs and alcohol. This may involve the health professional asking your child a simple question, or it may involve a urine or blood drug screen. However, some of these signs also indicate there may be a deeper problem with depression, gang involvement, or suicide. Be on the watch for these signs so that you can spot trouble before it goes too far. In order for a parent to get their teen to be aware of the drug usage and identifying if their teen is involved in this matter, they have to do the following: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Have The Talk Let Them Know You Know You should sit down and talk with your child. Be sure to have the conversation when you are all calm and have plenty of time. This isnt an easy task-your feelings may range from anger to guilt that you have failed because your kid is using drugs. This isnt true-by staying involved you can help his/her stop using and make choices that will make a positive difference in his/her life. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Be Specific about Your Concerns Tell your child what you see and how you feel about it. Be specific about the things you have observed that cause concern. Explain exactly how his/her behavior or appearance (bloodshot eyes, different clothing) has changed and why that worries you. Tell his/her that drug and alcohol use is dangerous and its your job to keep his/her away from things that put his/her in danger. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Dont Make Excuses Although its natural for parents to make excuses for their child, youre not helping him/her if you make excuses when he/she misses school or family functions when you suspect something else is at play. Take the next step: Talk to your child and get more information. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Try to Remain Calm and Connect With Him/Her Have this discussion without getting mad or accusing your child of being stupid or bad or an embarrassment to the family. Be firm but loving with your tone and try not to get hooked into an argument. Knowing that kids are naturally private about their lives, try to find out whats going on in your childs life. Try not to make the discussion an inquisition; simply try to connect with your teen and find out why he/she may be making bad choices. Find out if friends or others offered your child drugs at a party or school. Did he/she try it just out of curiosity, or did he/she use marijuana or alcohol for some other reason? That alone will be a signal to your child that you care and that you are going to be the parent exercising your rights. Prevention: Drug addiction is a preventable disease. Results from a research have shown that prevention programs that involve families, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse. Although many events and cultural factors affect drug abuse trends, when youths perceive drug abuse as harmful, they reduce their drug taking. It is necessary, therefore, to help youth and the general public to understand the risks of drug abuse, and for teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals to keep sending the message that drug addiction can be prevented if a person never abuses drugs. Drug prevention generally begins in the following places and programs: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Schools where drug education programs are initiated to children. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Family focused abuse-prevention programs à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Multifamily educational intervention (MFE) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rehabilitation centers Many programs lead to the scare tactic approach which usually does not work; it only leads to youth to wanting to try them anyway. New programs should be created which are more focused on speaking with the kids on their terms, not ours. Many of the speakers involved in the programs are former addicts themselves. They give a detailed account of their past experience with drugs leaving the child to form their own opinion of what drugs are like instead of telling them to just say no. Through these programs they will found out reasons why kids decide to quit using drugs (for those who are already using them), why they change their minds to not try or use drugs and why they believe so strongly to not use or try drugs. The programs also use a more appropriate amount of humor in their presentations. They found that children respond better to the light-heartedness of the issue, although they still know what a serious issue it is. Prevention of drug use is a hard issue to face. There are several programs out there geared towards children and young adults to help them make the right decision on using or trying drugs. Family focused abuse-prevention programs have produced reductions in adolescent drug abuse. Those who strongly identify with their communities and cultures have been found to be less likely to experience risk factors for using drugs compared to their peers who are less connected to their communities and cultures. Therefore, incorporation of a cultural component to drug abuse prevention programs may enhance the effectiveness of those programs. Moreover, teens 15 to 16 years old who use religion to cope with stress tend to use drugs significantly less often than their peers who do not use religion to cope. The Institutes of Drug Abuse recommends that treatment of substance abuse: be readily available when the addicted person is ready to enroll; be tailored to the complex, multiple and changing needs (for example medical, mental health, social, legal, and family) of each individual; and consider the use of medication treatment when appropriate and include random drug testing. There are numerous individual treatments for drug addiction in teens. Relapse prevention uses methods for recognizing and amending problem behaviors. Individualized drug counseling specifically emphasizes short-term behavioral goals in an attempt to help the individual reduce or stop the use of drugs altogether. Some such programs include drug testing. Twelve-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous are individualized drug-counseling methods. Motivational enhancement therapy encourages the teen to increase their desire to participate in therapy. Stimulus control refers to a treatment method that teaches the person to stay away from situations that are associated with substance abuse and to replace those situations with activities that are contrary to using drugs. Urge control is an approach to changing patterns that lead to drug use. Social control involves family members and other significant others of the addict in treatment. Family interventions for drug addiction that tend to be effective for teens include multidimensional family therapy (MDFT), group therapy, and multifamily educational intervention (MFE). MDFT has been found to be quite effective. Longer-term residential treatment of three to five months that addresses peer relationships, educational problems, and family issues is often used in treating substance abuse in teens. When one enters a drug rehab center many factors go into determining which program is right for you. A trained health professional, generally a doctor specializing in addiction medicine, makes a diagnosis to prescribe which treatment program is best for you. Programs usually include inpatient, residential, outpatient, and/or short-stay options. There is a slight difference between inpatient and residential programs. The inpatient services are provided by a licensed hospital, while the residential services are less meticulous in their medical care standards. The length of stay in the center depends and varies on the severity of the disease and the stage the person is in at the time. Recovery of drug abuse is a hard situation to deal with because every person is different in their degree of dependency, their attitude towards their abuse, their health at the time of entry to a center and their willingness to change their old ways and accept help for ways to live their life differently and better. Recovery is an ongoing process. Once a person leaves a center or treatment area, they must apply the skills they have learned into their everyday lifestyle. This can be extremely hard for some. However, some treatment centers do offer follow-up programs to ensure and monitor the process of ones recovery. The hardest part is realizing you have a problem and making the choice to enter a treatment facility. Eradication: You can begin to more closely monitor your childs activities. Have a few conversations. Ask: Who? What? Where? When? Reflect with your child on why he/she is using drugs and try to understand the reasons why so that you can help solve the problem. When you get a better idea of the situation, then you can decide next steps. These could include setting new rules and consequences that are reasonable and enforceable such as a new curfew, no cell phone or computer privileges for a period of time, or less time hanging out with friends. You may want to get them involved in pro-social activities that will keep them busy and help them meet new people Limiting their childrens access to substances that can be abused have been associated with less teenage drug use. Limiting the amount of alcohol, cleaning solutions (inhalants), prescription, and over-the-counter medications that are kept in the home to amounts that can be closely monitored and accounted for has also been found to decrease substance abuse by teens A community based program for the prevention of the drug usage should be developed. In order to rid communities of drug abuse and crimes related to drugs, we must put drug dealers out of business. Since drug trafficking and the sale of drugs are so profitable, it has become big business. The only way to put any business out of business is to decrease the demand for the product or service. To accomplish this, each community must provide preventive interventions in their small part of the world. Collectively, we can have a long-term impact on ridding the world of illicit drug use and drug abuse. Creating a substance abuse prevention program will change the lives of residents in your community. Drugs and crimes related to drugs are in every community. It does not matter if it is a wealthy community or the poorest of the poor. This is why it is so important that every community creates a program for substance abuse prevention. Accordingly, a powerful program for substance abuse prevention incorporates drug education with community mobilization, youth development, and community action. Yes, the community must get involved.* The law enforcement should be able to locate where the drugs are being brought in, they should find out the roots its coming from and destroy it there only. They should keep a watch on the people who bring it in and who are the people who get the stuff to come in the cities. The law enforcement is expected to keep the places clean and out of drugs so the young generation will not come in contact with these different substances that are being sold in the market. There should be brutal punishments for the sellers when they are caught selling these drugs to the teens or anyone. Short and Long Term Effects of Drug Abuse Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse Short-Term Effects: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rush à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Depressed respiration à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Clouded mental functioning à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Nausea and vomiting à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Suppression of pain à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Spontaneous abortion Long-Term Effects: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Collapsed veins à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Bacterial infections à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Abscesses à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Infection of heart lining and valves à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Arthritis and other rheumatologic problems Summary: In order to solve the drug addiction in teens, the above listed criteria play a big role because it is a must to identify is someone that you care about is on drugs. They should be well aware of the consequences and the effects of the drug they are using. When they know the right information and someone is to take them seriously and help them from getting out of this addiction will solve this crucial matter. Even if you have to get to the depth of it by finding out where is the supply coming from and getting those drug dealers in the right place where they belong which is prison will also eradicate the drug usage of your closed one. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a persons self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs. Fortunately, there are treatments that help people to counteract addictions powerful disruptive effects and regain control. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medications, if available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to each patients drug abuse patterns and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without drug abuse. Recommendations: Based on the results and solutions to solve this problem of increasing the number of teens in drug addiction, I recommend: All the parents should make their kids well aware of the facts and effects of the drug usage and what could be the consequences of the usage of these drugs. Only the parents friendly behavior and necessarily restrictions can keep their kid away from using these substances. It is only the loved ones whom you care for can help the drug addicts get rid of this problem and put themselves in some rehabilitation centers if necessary. Also there should be more care given in rehab centers and more programs can be established to finish of this matter for good. Material Cited: 1. http://www.csun.edu/~vcpsy00h/students/drugs.html 2. http://www.medicinenet.com/teen_drug_abuse/article.html 3. Drug Addiction by John Hicks, Millbrook Press (August 1, 1997)

Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain Essay -- Charles Frazier Cold Mountain

Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain Overcast by the gloom of the Civil War, Charles Frazier’s "Cold Mountain" details the growth of his characters as they cope with uncertain times. The two protagonists, Ada and Inman, traverse parallel paths toward redemption. While Ada adapts to an unfamiliar mountainous existence, Inman braves the risk of desertion to return to her. Both characters, however, seek love, spirituality, and an understanding of their disrupted world, and through their kindred courses, Frazier conveys the theme of questioning life. As the story opens, both Inman and Ada survey their unfamiliar situations. Inman nurses a near-fatal wound in a makeshift hospital where he sits â€Å"brooding and pining for his lost self† (23). Ada also grapples with a lost self, the self of city social status she abandoned to accompany her father on a mission. Intellectual and â€Å"educated beyond the point considered wise for females† (30), Ada lacks survival skills. The death of her father, Monroe, lays bare the extent of her incompetence. Though frustrated, Ada refuses to return to Charleston, where â€Å"she could expect little sympathy and much withering commentary† (64), and determines to overcome the challenges presented by her run-down farm. Similarly, as Inman’s wound heals, he cannot resign himself to continue fighting. He steps out the hospital window and into his future. Although under the perpetual threat of the Home Guard, he resolves to waste no more time under the direction of o thers and begins trudging home to Cold Mountain. In both circumstances, the characters embark upon journeys prompted by setbacks of the past. While the two sojourners embark upon independence, they also appraise their feelings towards one an... ...ace, an intricate and â€Å"luminous quiver of life† (138). In this thought process, Frazier exposes Ada’s maturity—whereas previously she relied on books as her primary source of knowledge, Ada now trusts her intuition and casts her own conclusions. The maturity and growth of both Ada and Inman stems from the hardships inflicted by the war. Throughout the novel, Frazier utilizes the introspection of these characters to present the enduring riddle of life. Attempts to decipher its meaning litter history. Various religions and myths resulted, but whom the world will favor over another cannot be predicted. Ultimately, Frazier illustrates that while faith and legends often furnish guidance, each person must interpret the world for himself. In the end, â€Å"all you can choose to do is go on or not. But if you go on, it’s knowing you carry your scars with you† (421).

The Olympic Games :: Olympics History Greek Olympia Essays

The Olympic Games The Olympic Games are an international sports festival that began in ancient Greece. The original Greek games were staged every fourth year for several hundred years, until they were abolished in the early Christian era. The revival of the Olympic Games took place in 1896, and since then they have been staged every fourth year, except during World War I and World War II. Perhaps the basic difference between the ancient and modern Olympics is that the former was the ancient Greeks' way of saluting their gods, whereas the modern Games are a manner of saluting the athletic talents of citizens of all nations. The original Olympics featured competition in music, oratory, and theater performances as well. The modern Games have a more expansive athletic agenda, and for two and one-half weeks they are supposed to replace the rancor of international conflict with friendly competition. In recent times, however, that lofty ideal has not always been attained. The earliest reliable date that recorded history gives for the first Olympics is 776 BC, although virtually all historians presume that the Games began well before then. It is certain that during the midsummer of 776 BC a festival was held at Olympia on the highly civilized eastern coast of the Peloponnesian peninsula. That festival remained a regularly scheduled event, taking place during the pre- Christian golden age of Greece. As a testimony to the religious nature of the Games, which were held in honor of Zeus, the most important god in the ancient Greek pantheon, all wars would cease during the contests. According to the earliest records, only one athletic event was held in the ancient Olympics--a foot race of about 183 m (200 yd), or the length of the stadium. A cook, Coroibus of Elis, was the first recorded winner. The first few Olympics had only local appeal and were limited to one race on one day; only men were allowed to compete or attend. A second race--twice the length of the stadium-- was added in the 14th Olympics, and a still longer race was added to the next competition, four years later. When the powerful, warlike Spartans began to compete, they influenced the agenda. The 18th Olympics included wrestling and a pentathlon consisting of running, jumping, spear throwing, discus throwing, and wrestling. Boxing was added at the 23rd Olympiad, and the games continued to expand, with the addition of chariot racing and other sports. In the 37th Olympiad the format was extended to five days of competition. The growth of the Games fostered "professionalism" among the competitors, and the Olympic ideals waned as royalty began to compete for personal gain,

Brain Functioning Table Essay

A neuron is a cell in the brain or another part of the nervous system that transmits information to other cells. Neuron cells are the information processing components of the brain responsible for receiving and transmitting information. Each part of the neuron plays a role in the communication of information throughout the body. Neurotransmitters A neurotransmitter is a chemical substance through which one neuron sends a message to another. Neurotransmitters are transmitters that give off chemical reactions to neurons. There are several types of neurotransmitters and each type controls different functions like muscle control and triggers. Axon An Axon is a long, arm like structure that transmits information on to still other neurons. The axon is the elongated fiber that extends from the cell body to the terminal endings and transmits the neural signal. The larger the axon, the faster it transmits information. Myelin sheath Myelin sheath is an insulating envelope of myelin that surrounds the core of a nerve fiber or axon and that facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses, formed from the cell membrane of the Schwann cell in the peripheral nervous system and from oligodendroglia cells. Myelin sheaths three main functions include are protection of the nerve fiber, insulation of the nerve fiber and increasing the rate of conduction of nerve impulses. Dendrites Dendrites are a short branched extension of a nerve cell, along which impulses received from other cells at synapses are transmitted to the cell body. Dendrites are treelike extensions at the beginning of a neuron that  help increase the surface area of the cell body. These tiny protrusions receive information from other neurons and transmit electrical stimulation to the soma. Synapses Synapses are junctions between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter. To connect two neurons by providing a space between an axon terminal of one neuron and a dendrite of another neuron, so neurotransmitters that are released by an axon terminal can diffuse across that space to reach the dendrite and either initiate the possibility of the second neuron to fire or cause a muscle cell to contract. Cortex A cortex is the upper part of the brain; site of complex, conscious thinking processes. The cerebral cortex is involved in numerous functions of the body including: determining intelligence, determining personality, motor function, planning and organization, and touch sensation. Synaptogenesis A synaptogenesis is the universal process in early brain development in which many new synapses form spontaneously. Synaptogenesis is a process involving the formation of a neurotransmitter release site in the presynaptic neuron and a receptive field at the postsynaptic partners, and the precise alignment of pre- and post-synaptic specializations. Synaptic pruning A synaptic pruning is a universa process in brain development in which many previously formed synapses wither away. Synaptic pruning refer to neurological regulatory processes, which facilitate changes in neural structure by reducing the overall number of neurons and synapses, leaving more efficient synaptic configurations. Pruning is a process that is a general feature of mammalian neurological development. Myelination A myelination is the growth of a fatty sheath (myelin) around the axons of neurons, enabling faster transmission of electrical impulses. The myelin sheath is a protective covering that surrounds fibers called axons, the long thin projections that extend from the main body of a nerve cell or neuron. . Reference Ormrod, J. (2014). Educational psychology: Developing learners. (8th ed., pp. 22-24). Pearson Education, Inc.