Structure of a Neuron:
- Cell body: Contains the nucleus and necessary organelles.
- Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors.
- Axon: Carries electrical signals away from the cell body, covered by a myelin sheath.
Function of a Neuron:
- Neurons transmit information through electrical impulses.
- Dendrites receive and transmit signals to the cell body.
- The cell body processes and integrates signals.
- Axons conduct signals away from the cell body.
- Myelin sheath on axons speeds up signal transmission.
- At the end of the axon, electrical signals are converted into chemical signals (neurotransmitters).
- Neurotransmitters are released into the synapse to communicate with other neurons or target cells.