Draw the Structure of a Neuron and Explain its Function

Q. Draw the structure of a neuron and explain its function.

• Neurons (also known as nerve cells) are the brain’s basic components. They are the building blocks of the nervous system. They are the cells that receive sensory input from the outside world,  give motor commands to our muscles, and transform and relay electrical signals at every step along the way. There are three types of neurons:

1. Sensory neurons

2. Motor neurons

3. Interneurons 

• Structure of a neuron:

• Dendrites are branch-like structures that receive and transmit messages from other neurons to the cell body

•  Cell Body- A nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi body, mitochondria, and other parts make up the cell body of each neuron

• Axon- The axon is a tube-like structure that transports electrical impulses from the cell body to the axon terminals, transmitting the impulse to another neuron

• Synapse- It’s the chemical link between one neuron’s terminal and another neuron’s dendrites

• The functions of neurons are:

• Chemical Synapse – The action potential in chemical synapses influences other neurons through a space between two neurons known as the synapse. The action potential travels through the axon to a postsynaptic terminal, where it triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers. These neurotransmitters stimulate the postsynaptic neurons, generating their action potential

•  Electrical Synapse- Electrical synapse is formed when a gap junction joins two neurons. Ion channels, which help transmit a positive electrical signal, are among the gaps. Chemical synapses are much slower than this