What are neurones?

A neuron or nerve cell is an electrically excitable cell that communicates with other cells via specialised connections called SYNAPSES. Neurons are responsible for carrying information throughout the human body. Using electrical and chemical signals, they help to coordinate all of the necessary functions of life……..Neurons are considered the basic units of the nervous system and brain. They are specialised cells that transmits information to other nerve cells, muscles or gland cells.

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There are many neurons. Incoming signals from other neurons act by releasing neurotransmitters onto the cell body and the dendrites (see diagram above). This can lead to, or modify, electrical impulses travelling down the axon, leading to neurotransmitters being released at the synaptic terminal.

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