Anatomy of a Neuron

dendrite

Receives messages and delivers impulse to cell body

Soma/cell body

contains nucleus which directs the cell's activities & organelles of the neuron synthesis of neurontransmitters.

axon

carries impulse away from cell body.

myelin sheath

covers the axon of some neurons and aids in increasing the speed of neural impulses, made of adipose.

synapse

space between two neurons

neurotransmitter

chemical that allows electrical impulse to pass from one neuron to another

node of ranvier

gap in the myelin sheath where the nerve impulse jumps during saltatory conduction.

axon terminal

end of each axon that release the neurotransmitters.

Axon Hillock

"Sums" up the input from all the dendrites. If the total sum is high enough (threshold, -55mV) then an action potential is fired.

Schwann cells

produce myelin in PNS