neurons

Neuron Cell body

(perikaryon/soma) – location of nucleus and other cellular organelles

Dendrites

contain receptors to receive signals from surrounding environment or other neurons

Axon hillock

initiating segment of axon, region of axon where action potential (nerve impulse) begins

Axon

transmits nerve impulse (action potential) towards axon terminals to “signal” other cells

Myelin sheath

insulates sections of axons (internodes) to increase speed of nerve impulse conduction

Nodes of Ranvier

areas of unmyelinated axonal membrane, location of ion channels necessary for action potential transmission

Neurolemma

outermost layer of myelin sheath comprised of Schwann cell nucleus/cytoplasm; participates in potential healing of PNS axons after injury

Telodendria (also known as terminal arborizations)

small axon branches conducting impulses to synaptic terminals

Synaptic terminals (also known as synaptic end bulbs or terminal boutons)

region of neurotransmitter release from vesicles

Endoneurium

loose connective tissue layer that electrically insulates axons; located external to myelin sheath in myelinated axons