Neurons are located in our brains. It is a cell that can transmit electrical and chemical signals. These electrical and chemical signals are sent via action potentials, causing an influx of ions in and out of the cell membrane.

There are three types of neurons: sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons. Sensory neurons send electrical signals from our body to the central nervous system. It takes in a large amount of input from our senses. Whereas motor neurons deliver signals from the central nervous system to the rest of our body. Interneurons are responsible for communicating information between different neurons in the body.

When you look at a neuron under a microscope, we can see its basic parts. The Soma, (cell body) houses the nucleus and internal structure of the cell; summation occurs in the soma when there is enough excitation within the cell. Dendrites are thin filaments that receive excitatory and inhibitory input from other neurons to the soma. The axon is an area in which action potentials are generated. The myelin sheath covers the axon, it facilitates the transmission of electrical signals along the axon. Glial cells are in charge of making this sheath.

Neurons facilitate our everyday lives. If you touch something hot, the sensory neuron’s in your fingers detect pain, and the interneuron sends signals to the motor neurons. The motor neuron then activates the muscle and makes the biceps contract. This is called a withdrawal reflex.

Unlike other cells, neurons do not replicate or reproduce; thus, when they die, they cease to exist. Do not take your neurons for granted kids!