How is the structure of a neuron related to its functions?

Answer 1

The function of a neuron is to convey or process signals.
The structure of a neuron allows these functions to occur.

The relevant components of a neuron comprising its structure are:
dendrites (inputs), soma

(cell body), axon hillock (signal strength assessing trigger point), axon (output), axon terminal branches, and axon terminal buttons.

Neurons receive signals, either from other neurons, or from receptor cells; they either simply convey the signal along the axon, or evaluate its strength and send it along the axon if the input is strong enough.

The structure of the neuron allows this function to happen in the following way: the dendrites receive chemical messengers through a synapse from an axon terminal button, which opens pores in the dendrite which allow sodium ions in, creating an electric voltage; this voltage propagates down the dendrite and over the soma

to the axon hillock, where, if it is greater than a triggering value, it can cause the axon to fire an action potential along its length; when the action potential reaches an axon terminal button, it causes calcium ion pores to open in the button, which causes small bags of neurotransmitter chemicals to merge with the membrane of the terminal button, releasing the neurotransmitter chemicals into the synaptic cleft (gap), where they diffuse over to a dendrite.