Once these molecules cross the synapse, the chemical signal is translated back to an electrical signal that continues toward the next neuron. The action potential causes the release of molecules called neurotransmitters, which pass from one end of the synapse to the other. To travel from the axon of one neuron to the dendrite of another neuron, a signal must cross the gap between neurons (the synapse), where it is translated from an electrical signal to a chemical signal. Then, an action potential is generated in its axon and carried along the length of the axon. In order for a neuron to transmit its own signal, it must first be sufficiently activated by incoming signals from other neurons via its dendrites. Neurons communicate using electrical signals, or action potentials. Interneurons convey signals between sensory and motor neurons and among themselves.Motor neurons carry signals from the brain to the body’s muscles in order to control movements.

Sensory neurons transmit signals from the sense organs about touch, sights, sounds, tastes, and smells.

The nervous system contains hundreds of different types of neurons that have physical forms specialized for their functions. Outgoing signals are then transmitted along a single extension called the axon, which can span long distances (as far as meters) to reach yet more neurons or other types of cell.īetween the axon of a transmitting neuron and the dendrite of a receiving neuron is a gap called the synapse -the site at which signals are passed between the brain cells. The branch-like dendrites of a neuron receive incoming signals from thousands of other neurons.

The cell body (or soma) is a neuron’s center, from which different types of extensions project outward toward other neurons. A neuron or nerve cell is the brain's fundamental building block for the transmission of information.

Brain cells consist of neurons and