structure of neurons

• Sensory neurons

  Neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.
• Relay neurone


  Carry messages from one part of the Central Nervous System to another.
• motor neurons


  Neurons that carry outgoing information from the central nervous system to effectors (aka: muscles and glands).
• Dendrites


  Branchlike parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information in the form of chemicals.

  
• Nucleus


  The control centre of a neuron.

  
• Axon hillock


  Cone shaped region of an axon where it joins the cell body.

  
• Axon


  A threadlike extension of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.

  
• Myelin Sheath


  Covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed up neural impulses. It's similar to electrical wires having a plastic covering.

  
• Schwann cell


  Supporting cells of the peripheral nervous system responsible for the formation of myelin. This protects the nerve fibres.

  
• Nodes of Ranvier


  Gaps in the myelin sheath that speed up neural impulses.

  
• Axon Terminal


  The endpoint of a neuron where neurotransmitters are stored.

  
• Terminal butons


  Knoblike structures that branch out from an axon and release neurotransmitters.

  
• Synapse


  Gaps between neurons that allow up to react to things.