What Are Neurons?

Neurons are specialized cells in the nervous system that are responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. They are the fundamental building blocks of the brain and spinal cord, which make up the central nervous system, as well as the peripheral nervous system.

Neurons have a unique structure that allows them to communicate with other cells. They have a cell body, which contains the nucleus and other organelles, and two types of processes called dendrites and axons. Dendrites receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body, while axons transmit signals away from the cell body to other neurons or to muscles and glands.

The communication between neurons is accomplished through the transmission of electrical and chemical signals. When a neuron receives a signal, it generates an electrical impulse called an action potential, which travels down the axon to the axon terminal.

 At the axon terminal, the electrical impulse triggers the release of chemical neurotransmitters, which cross the gap between neurons called the synapse, and bind to receptors on the receiving neuron. This process allows the signal to be transmitted from one neuron to the next, allowing for communication and coordination throughout the nervous system.