Neurons vary in structure, function, and genetic makeup. These cells have highly developed dendritic trees which allow them to receive thousands of signals. For instance, Purkinje cells are a special type of neuron found in a part of the brain called the cerebellum. How many they have generally depends on their role. Neurons can have more than one set of dendrites, known as dendritic trees. Like antennae, dendrites receive and process signals from the axons of other neurons. Dendritesĭendrites are fibrous roots that branch out from the cell body. Myelin helps axons to conduct an electrical signal. Many axons are insulated with a fatty substance called myelin. It joins the cell body at a specialized junction called the axon hillock. AxonĪn axon is a long, tail-like structure. It’s enclosed by a membrane that both protects it and allows it to interact with its immediate surroundings. Like other cell bodies, a neuron’s soma contains a nucleus and specialized organelles. The cell body contains genetic information, maintains the neuron’s structure, and provides energy to drive activities. Cell bodyĪlso known as a soma, the cell body is the core section of the neuron. However, nearly all neurons have three essential parts: a cell body, an axon, and dendrites. Neurons vary in size, shape, and structure depending on their role and location.
