Axons

Neural cell protrusion conducting impulses Away from the next neuron

Transmit information from a neuron to other neurons, muscles, and glands through junctions called synapses.

transmit nerve impulses

Dendrites

Neural cell protrusions conducting impulses Towards the cell body of the neuron

Receive nerve impulses

Is generally at the opposite end of the nerve fiber from the axon, receiving impulses from other cells at synapses and directing them to the nerve cell body.

Neurolemma

A sheath around peripheral nerves.

Synapse

The neuron releases neurotransmitters, specialized chemicals, to induce an electrical response in their targets.

NEUROLEMMA

A sheath that surrounds and provides structure to peripheral nerves; it also contains caretaker cells known as Schwann cells, which, as stated before, produce myelin (a fatty compound that insulates the nerve and speeds conduction of electrical signals along its surface).

Sensory neurons

Nerve cells within the nervous system that are responsible for converting external stimuli into internal electrical impulses (action potentials), allowing for the five senses.

Motor neurons

Are nerve cells whose cell bodies are located within the spinal cord and whose axon projects outside of the spinal cord to control effector organs such as muscles or glands.

Interneurons

Are nerve cells that transmit impulses between other neurons, most notably as part of a reflex arc such as the spinal arcs that allow us to withdraw from pain at a rapid rate. They also play a role in inhibiting pain at the spinal level or when overwhelmed, amplifying pain.

Glial cells

Microglia, Astrocytes, Oligodendrocytes

These act to help and support the neurons.

MICROGLIA

Located throughout the CNS; they are the first and main form of active immune defense in the CNS. They are technically a form of macrophage, making them responsible for consuming and destroying bacteria and cells infected with viruses through the process of phagocytosis

ASTROCYTES

The most abundant glial cells in the brain, famous for the creation of the " blood-brain barrier" (BBB). They surround capillaries and act as both a filter and a pump, carefully regulating the interstitial fluid environment of the brain. They also act to support the neurons in the brain with nutrients.

OLIGODENDROCYTES

Myelin-producing cells of the CNS. They are the CNS' counterpart to the Schwann cells that are only seen in the PNS. These cells are vital for allowing rapid communication through white matter pathways in the brain.

SCHWANN CELLS

The myelin-producing cells of the peripheral nerves, as discussed prior. They are found in the neurolemma, a sheath surrounding the axons of the peripheral nerves.