Neurons

Neurons, or nerve cells, are the primary building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals across the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Each neuron consists of a cell body (soma), dendrites that receive signals, and an axon that sends action potentials to other neurons or muscles. Covered in a myelin sheath, many axons enable rapid signal conduction, supporting essential functions such as cognition, memory formation, sensory perception, and motor control. These specialized excitable cells are critical for maintaining neural networks, synaptic communication, and overall nervous system health, making them a central focus in neuroscience research, neurological disease studies, and biomedical applications.