What is a list of the basic structures common to all neurons?

Answer 1

Fun question.

The soma is the main body of the neuron and contains the bulk of the key organelles (nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum... the fun stuff).

The axon is the extension of the neuron which carries the action potential. This is often depicted as very long in comparison to the soma, but in reality, the length of the axon varies a lot. Granule cells are pretty miniscule and have relatively tiny axons, whereas the giant pyramidal cells will have much longer axons. Much longer.

Dendrites have the role opposite to the axons and receive electrochemical signals from axons. There are PLENTY of these extending from the soma, and plenty of what are called dendritic spines extending off of the dendrites. This is one of the reasons why our brains are so incredibly complex. If you want to see a truly marvelous depiction of dendrites, look of Santiago Ramon y Cajal's early sketches of pyramidal cells. It's awesome to look at.

That's the general structure; I don't think it would be necessary to go into the various receptors and proteins. That would take FOREVER.

Answer 2

Basically, dendrites, cell body (soma), and axon. In addition, the part of the soma leading to the axon is called the axon hillock, and the first part of the axon is called the initial segment (where the action potential or spike or firing of the neuron occurs). Of course, all the rest of the normal parts and organelles of a cell are present too.

Answer 3

There are many substructures that make up the neuron. However, in terms of the most basic three, there are:

- the dendrites - branching structures that accept input from other neurons

- the soma - the cell body, containing the nucleus and other organelles, which also integrates all input to determine whether to fire or not (via voltage levels created by input-dependent ion channel influx)

- the axon - the long structure subsequent to the soma that accepts the generated action potential and transmits it to other neurons

Answer 4

All neurons have a cell body (soma) where the nucleus is located, dendrites that receive signals from other neurons, and an axon that transmits signals to other neurons or cells. Additionally, neurons have synapses, which are junctions where signals are passed between neurons.

Answer 5

Describe the 5 structures of the neuron


Dendrites, soma, axon hillock, axon, axon terminal. With synapse between neurons.

Answer 6

dendrites, cell body, axon