Final answer:
Neurons have three key parts: the cell body which contains the nucleus, dendrites for receiving signals, and an axon for sending signals. The axon hillock is where nerve impulses begin, and neurotransmitters at synapses allow for communication between neurons.
Step-by-step explanation:
A typical neuron consists of three main parts: the cell body, which contains the nucleus and other organelles; the dendrites, which receive signals; and the axon, which sends signals to other cells. The cell body, or soma, is responsible for maintaining the neuron's functions as it houses the nucleus and most of the cellular organelles. The dendrites are tree-like extensions from the cell body that receive electrical messages from other neurons at synapses. The axon is a long, singular projection that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or target cells. At the point where the axon emerges from the cell body, you'll find the axon hillock, which plays a crucial role in initiating nerve signals.
Information travels through a neuron in a unidirectional flow, starting at the dendrites, moving through the cell body, and down the axon. Furthermore, axons can be covered by a myelin sheath, which acts as an insulating layer to speed up the electrical impulses. Each neuron communicates with other cells through its axon terminals at synapses, using specialized chemicals called neurotransmitters to relay signals.