Parts Of A Neuron: Structure And Functions

Parts Of A Neuron: Structure And Functions

What is Neuron? Describe the structure of a typical neuron.
Answer.

The nerve cell along with its processes is called a neuron.

Structure of a typical neuron

The typical neuron consists of a cell body (perikaryon) and two types of processes: short and long. The typical neurons have many short processes called dendrites, and a single long process called an axon.

• Cell body (perikaryon): It is a mass of cytoplasm bounded by a plasma membrane. The cytoplasm contains a large nucleus with prominent nucleolus and basophilic Nissl bodies (Nissl substance). The Nissl substance forms the characteristic feature of nerve cells. It consists of large aggregations of rough endoplasmic reticulum made of ribonucleic acid and is concerned with protein synthesis.
• Dendrites: These are many small processes that conduct impulses towards the cell body. They branch to form a dendritic tree.
• Axon: It is a single long process, which conducts impulses away from the cell body. It begins at the axon hillock (a cone-shaped portion of the cell body) and terminates by dividing into axon terminals (telocentric).