Structure of neurons

• Where/what - neurons

  • The CNS contains all the neurons in the body.
  • A neuron is a nerve cell.
  • Neurons carry 'messages' electrically and chemically.
• Dendrites

  • Branch like structures that carry impulses from neighbouring neurons towards the cell body.
• Cell nucleus


  Contains DNA/genetic info of cell.
• Cell body

  Includes a nucleus.
• Axon

  Tube like structure that carries impulses away from the cell body, down the length of the neuron.
• Myelin sheath

  • Prevents signal from degrading.
  • A fatty layer that covers the axon.
• Node of ranvier

  Gaps in the myelin sheath that allows the impulse to increase in speed by forcing it to jump accross gaps.
• Terminal buttons

  At the end of the axon, communicates across the synapse.
• Vesicles


  Tiny sacs that hold neurotransmitters.