Question:

Draw the structure of a neuron and explain its function.

Updated On: Dec 6, 2024
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Functions of the three parts of a neuron:

structure of a neuron
→ Axon: It conducts messages away from the cell body.
→ Dendrite: It receives information from axon of another cell and conducts the messages towards the cell body.
→ Cell body: It contains nucleus, mitochondria, and other organelles. It is mainly concerned with the maintenance and growth.

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A neuron, or nerve cell, is the basic building block of the nervous system. It consists of three main parts: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon.

1. Cell Body (Soma): This is the central part of the neuron containing the nucleus. It maintains the cell's health and carries genetic information.

2. Dendrites: These are branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons and conduct the information towards the cell body. They act like antennas, picking up signals from other neurons.

3. Axon: This is a long, slender projection that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. The axon ends in terminal branches, which release neurotransmitters to transmit the signal to the next neuron.

Function of a Neuron:
- Neurons transmit information throughout the nervous system via electrical and chemical signals.
- The dendrites receive incoming signals from other neurons.
- These signals are processed in the cell body.
- If the signal is strong enough, it generates an electrical impulse that travels down the axon.
- The impulse reaches the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released to carry the signal to the next neuron or target cell.

This process enables the brain and nervous system to communicate and coordinate various functions throughout the body.

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Concepts Used:

Human Nervous System

The human nervous system is responsible for controlling and coordinating all the activities of the human body.

The three major functions of the human nervous system are:

  1. Gathering or assembling sensory information from the body and external environment.
  2. Processing and interpreting the sensory information acquired.
  3. Conveying or transferring appropriate response to the sensory information acquired.

The nervous system is mainly divided into two, namely:

The Central Nervous System (CNS) comprises the brain and spinal cord.

  1. The brain is majorly involved in the perception and processing of sensory input. It also regulates or manages voluntary motor responses and homeostatic mechanisms.
  2. The spinal cord act as a pathway for the transmission of information between the brain and the peripheral nervous system. It also takes action on reflex actions.

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) comprises sensory/motor neurons and ganglion.

Nervous System

The nervous system, often known as the neural system, is a sophisticated network of neurons dedicated to the transmission of messages. As we progress up the food chain, the neurological system becomes more sophisticated.

Nervous System

Functions of Nervous System:

The nervous system's most basic job is to govern the organism's movement and to influence the environment (e.g., through pheromones). This is accomplished by transmitting signals from one cell to another, or from one body component to another. Signals that travel to muscle cells cause muscles to contract, and signals that travel to endocrine cells cause hormones to be released into the circulation or other internal fluids to cause the nervous system's output.