Final answer:
A neuron is a nerve cell that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals, primarily within the nervous system. It is made up of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon, with the axon ending in synapses where neurotransmitters facilitate communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
A neuron is properly known as a nerve cell and is a fundamental part of the nervous system. It's a specialized cell designed to transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. Neurons are characterized by their unique structure, which includes a cell body that contains the nucleus and cytoplasm, dendrites that extend from the cell body and collect signals from other neurons, and an axon, a long projection that transmits signals to other neurons or muscles. Typically covered by a myelin sheath to insulate and speed up signal transmission, an axon ends in a synapse -- the site where communication occurs between neurons through the release of neurotransmitters.
Neuronal communication is crucial for sensory reception, muscular movement, and the thought processes within the brain. When a neuron receives a sufficient signal, it generates an action potential that travels along the axon. If enough neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, and they stimulate the next neuron or target cell, a response is provoked. This complexity of neuron structure and synaptic connections enables the nervous system to perform its varied functions, from basic reflexes to complex reasoning.