Neurone

Original Editor - Lucinda hampton

Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton, Stacy Schiurring, Kim Jackson, Rucha Gadgil and Manisha Shrestha  

Introduction

Neurones are cells of the central nervous system, located within the grey matter, and responsible for all neurological functions of the brain.

Structure

Neurones vary in morphology and size substantially, but all share a number of features :

a cell body

• nucleus
• perikaryon: cytoplasm surrounding the nucleus

axon

• a single process of variable length (even over a metre)
• generally the 'output' of the neurone
• terminates in terminal buttons which release neurotransmitters

dendrites

• usually multiple branching processes
• generally the 'input' of the neurone

Generally, input from other neurones or sensory receptors received by dendrites may lead to an action potential within the cell body which then propagates down the axon, eventually resulting in the release of neurotransmitters from the terminal buttons. This, in turn, can affect other neurones or end organs.

Types of neurones

Three main morphological patterns of neurones are described, depending on the relationship of the cell body to the axon and dendrites 1.

• multipolar
• bipolar
• pseudounipolar

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