The Neurons

Neuron Definition
“Neurons are the fundamental unit of the nervous system specialized to

transmit information to different parts of the body.”
What is a Neuron?
Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system. They receive and transmit signals to
different parts of the body. This is carried out in both physical and electrical forms. There are
several different types of neurons that facilitate the transmission of information.
The sensory neurons carry information from the sensory receptor cells present throughout the
body to the brain. Whereas, the motor neurons transmit information from the brain to the
muscles. The interneurons transmit information between different neurons in the body.
Also Read: Nervous System
Neuron Structure
A neuron varies in shape and size depending on its function and location. All neurons have three
different parts – dendrites, cell body and axon.
Parts of Neuron
Following are the different parts of a neuron:
Dendrites
These are branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons and allow the
transmission of messages to the cell body.
Cell Body
Each neuron has a cell body with a nucleus, Golgi body, endoplasmic
reticulum, mitochondria and other components.
Axon
Axon is a tube-like structure that carries electrical impulse from the cell body to the axon
terminals that pass the impulse to another neuron.
Synapse
It is the chemical junction between the terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of another
neuron.
Also Read: Difference between neurons and neuroglia
Neuron Types
There are three different types of neurons:
Sensory Neurons
The sensory neurons convert signals from the external environment into corresponding internal
stimuli. The sensory inputs activate the sensory neurons and carry sensory information to the
brain and spinal cord. They are pseudounipolar in structure.
Motor Neurons
These are multipolar and are located in the central nervous system extending their axons outside
the central nervous system. This is the most common type of neuron and transmits information
from the brain to the muscles of the body.
Interneurons
They are multipolar in structure. Their axons connect only to the nearby sensory and motor
neurons. They help in passing signals between two neurons.
Also Read: Nerves
Neuron Functions
The important functions of a neuron are:
Chemical Synapse
In chemical synapses, the action potential affects other neurons through a gap present between
two neurons known as the synapse. The action potential is carried along the axon to a
postsynaptic ending that initiates the release of chemical messengers known as
neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters excite the postsynaptic neurons that generate an
action potential of their own.
Electrical Synapse
When two neurons are connected by a gap junction, it results in an electrical synapse. These
gaps include ion channels that help in the direct transmission of a positive electrical signal.
These are much faster than chemical synapses.
Also Read: Conduction of Nerve Impulse
For more information on neurons, their structure, parts and function, keep visiting BYJU’S
website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a neuron?
Neurons are the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. All neurons have three
different parts – dendrites, cell body and axon. The neuron structure is specially adapted to carry
messages over large distances in the body quickly in the form of electrical signals.
What are sensory neurons and motor neurons?

A sensory neuron carries impulses from the receptor to the CNS (brain or spinal cord), while a
motor neuron carries impulses from the CNS (brain or spinal cord) to the effector.
Name the part of the neuron

a) Where information is acquired.
b) Through which information travels as an electrical impulse.
a) The part of the neuron which helps in the acquisition of information is known as the dendrite.
They are tree-like structures that are designed to receive communications from other cells.

b) The part of the neuron through which information travels as an electrical impulse is known as
the axon of the neuron. Axons mostly are covered with Myelin Sheath which increases the speed
of signal transmission.
What is a synapse?
A synapse is the site of transmission of nerve impulses between two nerve cells (neurons) or
between a neuron and a gland or muscle cell (effector). It is also known as a neuronal junction.

The Neurons

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The Neurons

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What are the main parts of a neuron?

What are the different types of neurons?

Neuron Definition

“Neurons are the fundamental unit of the nervous system specialized to

Also Read: Nervous System

Also Read: Difference between neurons and neuroglia

Also Read: Conduction of Nerve Impulse

Frequently Asked Questions

What are sensory neurons and motor neurons?

Name the part of the neuron

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