
When an action potential is triggered in a neuron, it travels down the axon and causes neurotransmitters to be released into the synaptic cleft, the gap between Neuron A’s axon and a dendrite on Neuron B. Neurons communicate with one another through action potentials (changes in a neuron’s electric potential) and neurotransmitters. The junction where two neurons meet is called a synapse and is where intercell communication takes place. Neurons can have multiple sets of dendrites, depending on the neuron’s function. They branch out from the cell body like antennae and receive and process signals from the axons of other neurons. The dendrites are where a neuron receives information from other cells. Many axons are covered in a fatty substance called myelin, which helps the axons conduct an electrical signal. The axon is a long, thin structure that carries information from its home neuron to another neuron via electrical impulse. It contains genetic information, maintains the neuron’s structure, and provides energy to carry out the neuron’s work. The cell body (soma) is the base of the neuron. A neuron has three main parts: a cell body (or soma), dendrites, and an axon. Neurons are structurally and functionally different than other types of cells – they are uniquely designed for the purpose of communication between cells. They send information between sensory neurons and motor neurons, often forming complex circuits to help you react to external stimuli (like signaling to pull your hand away after touching a hot stove). Interneurons are the most common type of neuron.

They send information away from the central nervous system to the muscle, organ, or gland that needs to react. They allow the brain and spinal cord to communicate with muscles, organs, and glands all over the body. Motor neurons are crucial for voluntary and involuntary movements.

These neurons send information from sensory receptors (in your skin, eyes, nose, etc.) toward the central nervous system. Things like sound, touch, and light are physical inputs, and smell and taste are chemical inputs.
