Final answer:
The structural components of a typical neuron include the cell body with a nucleus and organelles, dendrites that receive signals, and an axon that sends signals. The axon may be insulated by a myelin sheath to speed up signal transmission. Electrical signals travel via action potentials and communicate with other cells through neurotransmitters at synapses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Structural Components of a Typical Neuron
The structural components of a typical neuron include various unique and specific parts. The cell body (or soma) is the central part of the neuron that houses the nucleus, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and other cellular components. Extending from the cell body are dendrites, which are tree-like structures that receive electrical signals from other neurons at synapses. Some neurons can have multiple dendrites, which can include dendritic spines that increase the surface area for synaptic connections.
The axon is a long 'tail' like projection that sends electrical signals away from the cell body to other neurons or to various targets such as muscles or glands. The axon can be insulated by a myelin sheath, which facilitates faster transmission of electrical impulses. At the end of the axon are axon terminals, which play a key role in transmitting signals via neurotransmitters across synapses to the next neuron or the target cell.
When a neuron is sufficiently stimulated, it generates an action potential that travels down the axon towards the synapse. If enough neurotransmitters are released, they can activate the next neuron or elicit a response from the target cell, thereby continuing the chain of neural communication.