What are the parts of the neuron?

We explain what the different components of these nerve cells are like.

On numerous occasions we have talked about the nervous system, the cells that make it up, their functions and what happens when they do not work properly. Now, what makes up the neuronal cells that inhabit the nervous system?

Throughout this article we will talk about the different parts of neuronsThe main characteristics and functions that each of them have and that make possible the transmission of information throughout the nervous system.

What is a neuron?

The neurons are small cells that inhabit our nervous system and are responsible for activating or activating and that are in charge of activating or inhibiting the electrical activity of this one. Its main function is to receive electrical stimuli and conduct them to other neurons. This stimulus or electrical reaction is known as action potential.

Therefore, neurons send an infinite number of action potentials to each other that make possible the functioning of our nervous system, thanks to which we can move our muscles, feel Pain or even dream.

It is estimated that, in our brain alone, about 86 billion neurons are housed. However, at the time of our birth there may be more than 100 billion. The reason for this decrease in quantity is that as we age our brains grow older and the number of neurons begins to dwindle.

However, this does not mean that our neurons can only die. In our daily life, not only the degeneration of neurons occurs, but also their regeneration.

It is currently believed that our brain is undergoing constant neuronal regeneration.. Thanks to the process known as neurogenesis, new neurons and new neuronal connections are created. In addition, some studies assure that, especially during childhood, we can promote this birth of new neurons by means of a series of exercises and activities that exercise our brain.

Main parts of the neuron

As mentioned above, the neuron constitutes the functional and structural unit not only of our brain, but of the entire nervous system. These are made up of different parts, each one with specific characteristics and specific functions..

These parts are known as soma or cell body, dendrites and axon.

1. Soma or cell body

The first part we will talk about is the soma or cell body. As its name suggests, the soma is the center of the neuron, and it is here that the metabolic activity of the neuron takes place. is here where the metabolic activity of the neuron is carried out..

In the soma, new molecules are generated and all kinds of essential functions are carried out that make possible the vital maintenance of the cell and its functions,

In order to carry out these functions and to achieve the transmission of information between neurons, In order to carry out these functions and achieve the transmission of information between neurons, each neuron must produce enormous quantities of proteins, without which this transmission would not be possible.without which this transmission would not be possible.

In addition, within the cell body we can find some organelles also present in cells of other types such as lysosomes and mitochondria, the Golgi apparatus or the chromosomes themselves that define our genetics. All this is located in the cytoplasm, which constitutes the soma of the neuron.

Finally, within the neuronal cytoplasm also fibrillar proteins, which form the cytoskeleton, are found in the. This cytoskeleton is what gives shape to the neuron and provides a mechanism for the transport of molecules.

2. Dendrites

Another of the parts that make up neurons are the dendrites. This name refers to the numerous branch-like numerous branch-like prolongations of small size that arise from the neuronal body which arise from the neuronal body and whose main functions are to receive stimuli and provide nourishment to the cell.

These prolongations function as neuronal terminals, which receive action potentials from other nearby neurons and redirect them to the cell body or soma. In addition, due to their branched shape, along these we find the dendritic spines, small spines on which synapses occur that make possible the transmission of bioelectrical impulses..

3. Axon

Finally, the axon is the main extension of the neuron (and the largest). It is responsible for transporting the action potential from the cell body to another neuron..

This very long extension originates from the cell body or, in some cases, from a dendrite. Inside it we can find the axoplasm, a characteristically viscous substance in which the different organisms of the neuron are found.

One of the main characteristics of these axons is that they can be coated with a they can be covered with a layer known as myelin sheath, which can enhance or facilitatewhich can enhance or facilitate the speed with which action potentials or electrical stimuli are transmitted.

Furthermore, neurons can be classified into different types according to the length of the axon: Golgi type I and type II neurons, or according to their shape: pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex and Purkinje cells.

4. Other neuronal elements

In addition to the main parts of the neuron described above, there are other particles or sections of great importance for their correct functioning. Some of these parts are:

Schwann cells.

Also known as neurolemocytes, these cells These cells line the axons of the neurons of the peripheral nervous system and form myelin sheaths. and form myelin sheaths.

Myelin sheaths

As named above, some axons possess a myelin sheath that facilitates the transmission of electrical stimuli. facilitates the transmission of electrical stimuli over long distances..

Nodes of Ranvier

This concept refers to the tiny spaces found in the myelin sheath and its main purpose is to enhance the speed with which electrical impulses are transmitted.