SPECIALIZED PROPERTIES OF NEURONS

1 Excitation and inhibition by electrical and chemical stimulation

Sensory receptor cells respond to other forms of energy also, such as mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic

2. Integration of information

Processing and decision making by means of spatial and temporal summation of excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials

3. Modifiability of response characteristics

Storage of information ' i.e., learning and memory by means of biochemical and/or anatomical changes, which result from experience and which lead to relatively permanent changes in behavior

4. Conduction of information

Propagation of nerve impulses, which are also referred to as electrochemical action potentials

5. Secretion of chemical messengers

Regulation of information transmission between cells by neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, which together are referred to as neuroregulators