What does the structure of a neuron look like?

Answer 1

There are three types of Neurone and a different structure for each. Each of these types has all the same part just in a different arangement. They have a part callled the Axon which is where they send their Action Potentials (impulses) down, parts called Dendrites which is the heavily branched part where they receive stimulationfrom and a part inbwetween called the Cell Body which is where the Nucleus is. We will look at them in the order they would come in a complex reflex arc.

Firstly the Sensory Neurone: This type of cell has dendrites that are out on a stalk from the cell body. These dendrited are specialised to activate neurone when a specific stimulation type is present. The axon from this cell type is usually not so long as in motot neurones but substantially longer than in interneurones. The cell body sits roughyl in the middle ot the two branches (the axon and the dendrite branches).

Secondly the Interneurone: This types of cell are what is mostly found in the brain. They have incredibly branched dedrites making them look very like a tree. Their axons may or may not be branched and their length OS also very variable.

Finally the Motor Neurone: Here the cell body and the dendrites are very close together, infact the dendrites brach directly of from the cell body. The axon in a cell of this type is usually very long and not very branched at all. This part will be connected to another neurone to pass the singal (in the form of an action potential) on to whatever organ is to be affecteed.

Answer 2

A neuron is composed of a cell body, dendrites that receive signals, and an axon that transmits signals to other neurons. The axon may be covered by a myelin sheath to speed up signal transmission. Neurons also have synapses, which are junctions that allow them to communicate with other neurons.

Answer 3

The parts of a generic neuron are:-

soma - cell body

axon - upto 1 meter long

dendrite - many