a neuron carrying messages away from the brain or spinal cord

The impulse travels through the cell body and is carried through the axon to the end brush, a collection of fibers that extend off the axon. The cell body is made up of cytoplasm, cytoplasmic structures, and a nucleus, which controls neuron function. When a stimulus is received by a sensory neuron, the impulse (or message) is carried through fibrous extensions called dendrites to the cell body. There are three types of neurons and each has different functions.ġ) sensory neurons-receive impulses and carry them from the sense organs to the spinal cord or brain.Ģ) interneurons-connect sensory and motor neurons and interpret the impulse only in the brain and spinal cord.ģ) motor neurons-carry impulses from the brain and spinal cord to muscles or glands The neuron, a nerve cell, is the functional unit of the nervous system that carries the impulse (the message) to the appropriate part of the nervous system or interprets the impulse and allows a response. Appropriate responses are carried out by effectors (a muscle or gland). How does the nervous system accomplish this? How are messages transmitted throughout the organism and how are the messages interpreted? How does the organism respond?Įnvironmental (internal or external to the body) messages ( stimuli) are received, transmitted, and interpreted by the functional unit of the nervous system-the neuron. (Contrast this response with the chemical control used by the endocrine system.) Response by the nervous system is accomplished by motor control. The nervous system allows for sensing, response, and control.

A neuron carrying messages away from the brain or spinal cord