Chapter1 (Q19) Discuss the structure of a neuron.

Answer

Structurally, a typical neuron consists of three main regions namely, the cell body, the dendrites and the axon.

The cell body (soma) is a part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and many of the cell organelles. The function of the cell body is to connect the dendrites and the axon.

The dendrites are many short projections extending from the cell body that receive signals called impulses from sensory organs or other neuron and conduct impulses to the cell body.

The axon is a long projection arising from the cell body that carries the nerve impulse from the cell body to other neurons and effectors.

At the end of the axon are terminal dendrites which involve neuron to neuron communication. The axon is covered and protected by myelin sheath. Myelin sheath is a fatty material that wraps around the axon. Myelin sheath is produced by the Schwann cell. The gap between two adjacent myelin sheaths is called node of ranvier.