What is a special structure about the nerve cell?

Neuron Structure The cell body contains the nucleus and other cell organelles. Dendrites extend from the cell body and receive nerve impulses from other neurons. The axon is a long extension of the cell body that transmits nerve impulses to other cells. The axon branches at the end, forming axon terminals.

How does the structure of a nerve cell help in its function?

Answer: The structure of a neuron allows it to rapidly transmit nerve impulses to other cells. Regularly spaced nodes, or gaps, in the myelin sheath allow nerve impulses to skip along the axon very rapidly.

What is the structural adaptation of a nerve cell?

The adaptations of a nerve cell are dendrites with receptor proteins, an axon, myelin, synaptic terminals and neurotransmitters.

Do nerve cells have cell membranes?

Cells of the nervous system, called nerve cells or neurons, are specialized to carry “messages” through an electrochemical process. Neurons are similar to other cells in the body because: Neurons are surrounded by a cell membrane. Neurons have a nucleus that contains genes.

What is the function of nerve cell neuron?

Neurons (also called neurones or nerve cells) are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, the cells responsible for receiving sensory input from the external world, for sending motor commands to our muscles, and for transforming and relaying the electrical signals at every step in between.

What is the nerve cell?

Listen to pronunciation. (nerv sel) A type of cell that receives and sends messages from the body to the brain and back to the body. The messages are sent by a weak electrical current.

What is the cell body of the nerve cell called?

Cell body. Also known as a soma, the cell body is the neuron’s core. The cell body carries genetic information, maintains the neuron’s structure, and provides energy to drive activities. Like other cell bodies, a neuron’s soma contains a nucleus and specialized organelles.

What are nerve cells made of?

Each nerve cell consists of the cell body, which includes the nucleus, a major branching fiber (axon) and numerous smaller branching fibers (dendrites). The myelin sheath is fatty material that covers, insulates and protects nerves of the brain and spinal cord.

How does the structure of a nerve cell relate to its function?

Different types of nerve cells exist that respond to light, sound, touch and other stimuli. The basic structure of a neuron helps it to perform its function. Signals propagated by chemical ions distribute an electrical charge that proceeds from neuron to neuron, passing information.

What are the structural adaptations of a nerve cell?

Nerve receptors within the ear are adapted to respond to audio stimuli, whereas nerve receptors in the skin respond to touch stimuli. Reflexes are automatic responses to stimulus that do not require the nervous system to communicate with the brain before they are carried out. Reflexes protect the body from harm.

What are the three components of a nerve cell?

The three basic parts of a nerve cell are the dendrites, cell body, and axon.

What is the general structure of a nerve?

A nerve is the primary structure of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that encloses the axons of peripheral neurons. A nerve provides a structured pathway that supports neuron function. A nerve consists of many structures including axons, glycocalyx, endoneurial fluid, endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium.