Parts of neuron

dendrites

branch-like structures which carry impulses from neighbouring neurons towards the cell body

cell body

includes a nucleus

cell nucleus

contains the genetic material of the cell

axon

tube-like structure that carries impulses away from the cell body down the neuron

Myelin sheath

a fatty layer which covers the axons- it protects the axon and speeds up electrical impluses

Node of ranvier

gaps in the myelin sheath-allow increase in speed of impulse by forcing the impulse to ‘jump’ across the gaps

Terminal buttons

at the end of the axon-involved in the communication across the synapse

Vesicles

tiny sacs that contain neurotransmitters