What are the Different Parts of a Neuron
1) Dendrites
2) Cell Body or Soma
3) Axons
Connecting Parts of a Neuron: Axon Terminal and Synapse
While they have the common features of a typical cell, they are structurally and functionally unique from other cells in many ways. All neurons have three main parts: 1) dendrites, 2) cell body or soma, and 3) axons. Besides the three major parts, there is the presence of axon terminal and synapse at the end of the neuron. Functions
Acquiring chemical impulse from other cells and neurons Converting the chemical signals into electrical impulses Carrying electrical impulses towards the next part of the neuron, the cell body
Functions
Supporting and organizing the functions of the whole neuron Joining the signals received by the dendrites and passing them to the axons, the next part of the neuron
Sometimes, a single axon is highly branched to allow better communication with multiple target neurons at the same time.
Parts of an Axon
a) Axon hillock – The part of the axon which remains attached to the cell body or soma. b) Myelin sheath – The layer of fatty acid produced from specialized cells called Schwann cells that are wrapped around the axon. c) Nodes of Ranvier – The gaps between the discontinuous myelin sheath that is running along the axon. Functions
Axons help to receive signals from other neurons and transmit the outflow of the message to the adjacent connected neurons and also to other muscles and glands by changing the electrical potential of the cell membrane called the action potential. Myelin sheath insulates the axon and thus prevents shock similar to an insulated electric wire Myelin sheath also increases the speed of the flow of signals through the axon Nodes of Ranvier allows diffusion of ions in and out of the neuron and thus maintains the electrical potential of the neuron
Apart from all the major parts described so far in a neuron, there are other structures (that are not basic parts) found at the junctions between the neurons that help to establish functional links or connections between them. They are described below. Synapse or synaptic cleft is the small space or gap between two adjacent neurons. It is formed between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of the next neurons. Functions
Releasing of neurotransmitters through specific transport vesicles, called synaptic vesicles from one neuron to the adjacent connected neurons called exocytosis Synaptic vesicles of one neuron for conducting nerve impulse to the adjacent connected neuron through exocytosis Sending neuronal information from one nerve cell to another and also to other cells of the muscle or gland with the help of neurotransmitters Re-up taking of excessive neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft
