Question
Write the name of the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. Mention the functions of any three parts of that unit.
Answer
The structural and functional unit of the nervous system is the neuron.
The three main parts of a neuron and their functions are:
- Dendrites: Receive incoming signals from other neurons or sensory receptors and transmit them towards the cell body.
- Cell Body: Contains the nucleus and other cellular organelles, and integrates incoming signals from the dendrites to generate a new electrical signal (action potential).
- Axon: Conducts the action potential away from the cell body towards the axon terminals, where it triggers the release of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry the signal across the synapse to other neurons or target cells.
