Neuron Structure and Functions CMDS 510

Soma(cell body)

Contains the nucleus and keeps the neuron alive by controlling its metabolic activities.

Dendrites

Receive signals/messages from other neurons or sensory receptors.

Axon

Carries nerve electrical signals away from the cell body toward other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin sheath

Insulates the axon and helps nerve impulses travel faster.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath where the nerve impulse is regenerated, allowing it to travel rapidly along the axon, speeding up transmission.

Axon terminals (terminal branches)

Release neurotransmitters to communicate with another neuron, muscle, or gland.

Synapse

A gap between neurons where chemical signals (neurotransmitters) pass from one neuron to another neuron, muscle, or gland cell, that allows them to communicate.

Nucleus

Contains the neuron's(genetic material) DNA and controls the cell's activities.

A neuron is aexcitable nerve cell that processes and transmits electrical and chemical signals throughout the body.

Structure and Functions