Nerve Cell

• The cell body contains the nucleus and other organelles.
• Dendrites: short, branched extensions that receive signals from other neurons.
• Axon: long, thin extension that transmits signals to other neurons or to muscles or glands
• Neurons communicate with each other at synapses, where chemical neurotransmitters are released from one neuron and bind to receptors on another neuron.
• Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are released from neurons and bind to receptors on other cells.

  • Acetylcholine: involved in muscle movement, learning, and memory.
  • Dopamine: involved in movement, motivation, and reward.
  • Serotonin: involved in mood, appetite, and sleep.
  • Norepinephrine: involved in arousal and the "fight or flight" response.
  • GABA: involved in inhibiting neural activity and reducing anxiety.
  • Glutamate: involved in stimulating neural activity and enhancing memory and learning.
• Neurons have three main parts: the cell body, dendrites, and axon.