Brain cell
Brain cell
A brain cell or neuron (pronounced: /ˈnʊərɒn, ˈnjʊərɒn/), is a specialized type of cell found in the nervous system that transmits nerve impulses. The etymology of the word "neuron" comes from the Greek word "νεῦρον" (neûron), meaning "string, nerve".
Structure
A brain cell consists of a cell body (also known as the soma), dendrites, and an axon. The cell body contains the nucleus of the cell and other organelles. Dendrites are short, branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them towards the cell body. The axon is a long, thin structure that transmits signals away from the cell body to other neurons or to muscles or glands.
Function
Brain cells are responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information within the brain. They communicate with each other through a process known as synaptic transmission, where chemical signals are passed from one neuron to another at specialized junctions called synapses.
Types
There are three main types of brain cells: sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons. Sensory neurons transmit information from sensory receptors to the brain, motor neurons transmit information from the brain to muscles or glands, and interneurons transmit information between other neurons within the brain.
Related terms
- Glial cell: Another type of cell found in the nervous system that supports and protects neurons.
- Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance that is used by neurons to transmit signals across a synapse.
- Neurogenesis: The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.
- Neuroplasticity: The ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experience.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Brain cell
- Wikipedia's article - Brain cell
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