You are here
Draw the structure of a neuron and explain its function
Answer
|
Part |
Details |
|
Dendrites |
Branched structure that collects information from previous neuron and passes on to the cell body . |
|
Cell body |
It is the broad, rounded part of the neuron that contains the nucleu s, abundant cytoplasm ( neuroplasm ) and other organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi body etc. |
|
Axon |
It is a long tube-like structure that carries information from the cell body to the nerve endings . Axon is covered by 1-2 sheaths called nerve fiber . A number of nerve fibers joined together to form a nerve . |
|
Nerve endings |
The axon is branched terminally in muscle fibers, glands, other structures or forms synapse with the dendrites of other neurons. |
|
Synapse |
There is a gap between the nerve endings of one neuron and dendrite of the following neuron where signals are transmitted as chemical signals called neurotransmitters. |
The nervous system is made up of neurons or nerve cells
- These neurons help to transmit signals to and from different parts of the body
- These signals are in both electric and chemical forms
- Signals are in the form of electric impulses as they pass from dendrites to nerve endings.
- Signals are in the form of chemicals called neurotransmitters during transmission of messages across the synapse.
The different types of neurons carry different types of signals:
- Sensory neurons - Receptors in the sense organs to the brain
- Motor neurons - Brain cells to the muscles that need to respond according to the signal sensed.
- Interneurons - Between different neurons.
