Structures of a Neuron

• Synaptic Transmission: The relaying of information across the synaptic by means of chemical neurotransmitters.
• Synapse: A small gap which separates neurons.
• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that cross the synapse gap between neurons.
• Excitation: When a neurotransmitter crosses the synapse and increases the chance of a neuron firing.
• Inhibition: When a neurotransmitter crosses the synapse and decreases the chance of a neuron firing.
• Sensory Neurons: Neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.

  
• Motor Neuron: Carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands.

  
• Relay Neuron: Nerve cell which transmits electrical impulses to sensory neurons to motor neurons.

  
• Cell Body: Includes a nucleus which contains the genetic material of the cell
• Dendrite: Branch like structures that protrude from the cell body.

  • Carry nerve impulses from neighbouring neurons towards the cell body
• Axon: Carries electrical impulses away from the cell body down the length of the neuron

  • Covered in myelin sheath