Parts of a Neuron

Dendrites

rootlike parts of the cell that stretch out from the cell body. make synaptic connections with other neurons.

Soma/Cell body

contains nucleus and other parts of the cell needed to sustain its life

Axon

wirelike structure ending in the terminal buttons that extends from the cell body

Myelin sheath

a fatty covering around the axon of some neurons that speeds neural impulses

Terminal Buttons

branched end of the axon that contains neurotransmitters

Synapse

space between terminal buttons of one neuron and dendrites of the next neuron

Neurotransmitters

chemicals contained in terminal buttons that enable neurons to communicate. fit into receptor sites on dentrites like keys into locks

Synaptic Vesicles

Small sacs where neurotransmitters are stored