A neuron, also known as a nerve cell, is the fundamental unit of the nervous system responsible for processing and transmitting information in the form of electrical and chemical signals.
Neurons are the building blocks of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body.
Here are the diagrams of a human neuron, detailed and scientifically accurate, illustrating the neuron's structure.
There are various types of neurons, each with a specialized function, but they all share a common structure with several key parts:
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 that insulates the axon and helps increase the speed of electrical signal transmission.
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:
Initiates action potentials based on integrated signals.
8. Synaptic terminals:
Release neurotransmitters to transmit signals across synapses.
9. Synaptic cleft:
A gap where neurotransmitters are released to communicate between neurons.
10. Neurotransmitter receptors:
Bind neurotransmitters to initiate a response in the receiving cell.