Neurons: The Building Blocks of the Nervous System - Structure & Function

Neuron

- A neuron, or nerve cell, is the basic unit of structure and function in the nervous system. Neurons are responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.

- Each neuron consists of three main parts: the cell body, dendrites, and axon.

- The cell body, also known as the soma, contains the nucleus and other essential organelles necessary for the survival and function of the neuron.

- Dendrites are short, branched extensions that extend from the cell body and receive signals from neighboring neurons.

- The axon is a long, slender projection that extends from the cell body and transmits signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

- The point where the axon of one neuron meets the dendrites or cell body of another neuron is called a synapse. Synapses are the points of communication between neurons and allow for the transmission of signals throughout the nervous system.