What is the structure and function of the neuron?
Answer (1)
A neuron is the basic functional unit of the nervous system. Its primary role is to transmit electrical signals throughout the body so that organs, muscles, and glands can respond quickly to stimuli. Neurons are specialized cells that can receive, process, and send information.Structure of a neuron:Cell Body (Soma) – Contains the nucleus and organelles. This is where most metabolic activities of the neuron occur.Dendrites – Short, branching extensions that receive signals from other neurons or sensory cells. They act like antennae.Axon – A long, thin fiber that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or target cells.Myelin Sheath – A fatty coating (made by Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes) that insulates the axon and speeds up the electrical transmission.Axon Terminals – The ends of the axon where the neuron communicates with another cell across a synapse using chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.Types of neurons:Sensory neurons – Carry information from sense organs to the brain/spinal cord.Motor neurons – Carry commands from the brain/spinal cord to muscles or glands.Interneurons – Connect neurons within the brain or spinal cord.Neurons are essential for reflexes, voluntary movement, emotions, learning, and memory. Without neurons, the body cannot react to changes in the environment, process information, or maintain coordination.
