1.3A Neurons

Neurons

Specialized cells transmitting electrical and chemical signals throughout nervous system, carrying information from brain to body and between cells.

Cell Body (Soma)

Control center of neuron containing nucleus and organelles, producing energy and maintaining cellular functions essential for survival.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions receiving incoming signals from other neurons and conveying information toward cell body for processing.

Axon

Long fiber transmitting electrical impulses away from cell body toward other neurons, muscles, or glands via axon terminals.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty insulating layer wrapped around axon that accelerates electrical signal transmission speed and protects neural pathways.

Synapse

Small gap between two neurons where chemical neurotransmitters cross to transmit signals from one cell to another.

Presynaptic Neuron

Neuron sending signal across synapse by releasing neurotransmitters from axon terminals into synaptic cleft toward receiving cell.

Postsynaptic Neuron

Neuron receiving chemical signal across synapse through receptor sites on dendrites or cell body from transmitting cell.

Glial Cells

Support cells protecting, nourishing, insulating neurons and maintaining neural environment, not transmitting electrical signals themselves.

Reflex Arc

Automatic rapid response pathway through spinal cord using sensory, inter, and motor neurons bypassing brain for speed.

Sensory (Afferent) Neurons

Peripheral neurons transmitting information from environmental stimuli and sensory receptors toward central nervous system for processing.

Motor (Efferent) Neurons

Peripheral neurons carrying commands from central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling movement and responses.

Interneurons

Central nervous system neurons connecting sensory and motor neurons, processing information and enabling learning, memory, and planning.