How is a neuron adapted to perform its function?

Question

Josiah Austin · Accepted Answer

The nerves cells are rather long which enables communication with distant body parts. The dendrites allow for communication with other neurons. Myelin surrounding the axon of a neuron acts as an insulator.

The above example is a very general description. In fact, neurons can be categorized into three groups based on their function:

Sensory neurons:

Carry impulses from the receptors (cells that detect the stimuli i.e. heat or pressure) to the central nervous system (CSN).
They have longer dendrites and shorter axons due to carrying of impulses from sensory organs to the spinal cord or brain.
In general, sensory neurons are very long cells as they have to carry the impulses from the body to the place where the response occurs.

Motor Neurons

Carry impulses from the CSN to the effector (cells responding to the stimuli i.e organs, muscles)
They have long axons and shorter dendrites due to the passage of impulses from spinal cord or brain to the effector organs/cells.

Relay neurons

Co-ordinate responses
They are known as link neurons in the CNS due to their function which is to link sensory neurons with the motor neurons

Landon Anderson · Answer

undefined A neuron is adapted to perform its function through several structural and functional adaptations:
1. Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons.
2. Cell body (soma): Contains the nucleus and organelles, responsible for integrating incoming signals.
3. Axon: Conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body.
4. Myelin sheath: Insulates the axon, speeding up signal transmission.
5. Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated.
6. Axon terminals: Release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons or effector cells.