Parts Of A Nueron

Front 1

Cell body

Back 1

The part of a cell, such as a neuron, that houses the molecules.

Front 2

Dendrites

Back 2

One of usually numerous, short, highly branched processes of a neuron that convey nerve impulses toward the cell body.

Front 3

axon

Back 3

A typically long extension, or process, from a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body toward target cells.

Front 4

axon hillock

Back 4

The conical region of a neuron’s axon where it joins the cell body; typically the region where nerve signals are generated.

Front 5

synapse

Back 5

The locus where one neuron communicates with another neuron in a neural pathway; a narrow gap between a synaptic terminal of an axon and a signal-receiving portion (dendrite or cell body) of another neuron or effector cell. Neurotransmitter molecules released by synaptic terminals diffuse across the synapse, relaying messages to the dendrite or effector.

Front 6

synaptic terminal

Back 6

A bulb at the end of an axon in which neurotransmitter molecules are stored and released.

Front 7

neurotransmitters

Back 7

A chemical messenger released from the synaptic terminal of a neuron at a chemical synapse that diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to and stimulates the postsynaptic cell.

Front 8

presynaptic cell

Back 8

The transmitting cell at a synapse.

Front 9

postsynaptic cell

Back 9

The target cell at a synapse.

Front 10

glia

Back 10

Supporting cells that are essential for the structural integrity of the nervous system and for the normal functioning of neurons.