A neuron, or nerve cell, is the fundamental unit of the nervous system responsible for processing and transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.
Neurons are the building blocks of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body.
While there are various types of neurons with specialized functions, they all share a common structure:
Key Parts of a Neuron
1) Cell Body (Soma)
Contains the nucleus with genetic material and essential organelles for the neuron's function.
2) Dendrites
Short, branch-like projections that receive signals from other neurons or sensory cells and transmit them to the cell body.
3) Axon
A long projection that transmits electrical signals (action potentials) away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
4) Myelin Sheath
A fatty layer insulating the axon, increasing the speed of signal transmission, formed by glial cells.
5) Nodes of Ranvier
Gaps in the myelin sheath that allow rapid signal conduction through saltatory conduction.
6) Axon Terminals
Branches at the end of the axon that form synapses with other neurons or target cells, converting electrical signals into chemical signals (neurotransmitters).
7) Axon Hillock
The site where action potentials are initiated based on incoming signals.
8) Synaptic Terminals
Release neurotransmitters to transmit signals across synapses.
9) Synaptic Cleft
The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released for communication.
10) Neurotransmitter Receptors
Bind neurotransmitters to initiate a response in the receiving cell.
This structure allows neurons to effectively transmit information throughout the nervous system.
