A neuron looks somewhat like a tree with three main parts: dendrites, a cell body (soma), and an axon.
- Dendrites resemble tree branches and are highly branched structures that receive input signals from other neurons. They often have small protrusions called spines where synapses form.
- The cell body (soma) is like the trunk of the tree; it contains the nucleus and is responsible for maintaining the neuron's functions and producing proteins.
- The axon is a long, thin projection similar to tree roots that transmits electrical signals called action potentials away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles. The axon can branch extensively to communicate with many target cells.
Overall, the neuron’s shape is highly specialized for receiving, processing, and transmitting information rapidly across the nervous system. Some neurons have dendrites that look like sea coral, spider webs, or tumbleweed due to their intricate branching patterns. Axons can be very long, sometimes extending several feet in large animals. In summary, a neuron looks like a cell body with multiple branching dendrites on one side and a long axon extending from the other side, enabling it to connect and communicate with many other cells
