The nervous system is made up of neurons, which are cells that communicate with each other to make everything happen. All neurons – regardless of type – have the same basic structure.

Soma

The soma is also known as the cell body, out of which project dendrites, much like the branches of a tree.

Dendrites

Dendrites receive signals and pass them onto the soma, and they form and reform over time as behaviours are learned and evolve.

Axon

The axon is like the trunk of the soma, and carries the signal in the form of an electric charge, known as a nerve impulse, away in order to communicate with other neurons.

Myelin sheath

Some axons have a protective coating called the myelin sheath, which has gaps at intervals, known as nodes of ranvier, so the signal can jump and therefore travel faster and more efficiently than if it has to run down the entire length.

Axon terminals

Axon terminals are at the end of axons, much like roots of a tree. It is here that they link with other neurons or cell receptors across gaps called synapses which are filled with special chemicals called neurotransmitters.