neuron structures

• cell body

  -includes nucleus

  -contains genetic material of cell
• dendrites

  -branch like structures

  -protrude from cell body

  -carry nerve impulses from neighbouring neurons towards cell body
• axon

  -carries impulses away from cell body down length of neuron
• myelin sheath

  -fatty layer

  -protects the axon

  -speeds up electrical transmission of impulse
• nodes of ranvier

  -gaps of myelin sheath

  -speed up transmission of impulse

  -forcing it to jump across gaps along axon
• axon terminal

  -allows communication with next neuron in chain

  -across gap called synapse