MGSLG. (2020). Module 2 Unit 6

Structure and functioning of a nerve

Neurons – nerve cells

  • Neurons are specialized cells which connect the brain and spinal cord to all other parts of the body
  • Each neuron has the following parts:
    • Cell body
    • Dendrites
    • Axon
  • The dendrites always carry the impulse to the cell body and the axon always carries the impulse away from the cell body
  • Axons and dendrites may be myelinated i.e. they have a fatty layer wrapped around them, which acts as insulation
  • Bundles of neurons form nerves.


Types of neurons

  • Sensory neurons
    • Afferent neurons
    • Carry impulses to CNS
    • Either unipolar or bipolar
    • Sensitive to stimuli in the environment
  • Connector/inter neurons
    • Receive impulse from sense organs
    • Always multipolar
    • Integrates or analyses information
    • Effects a response
  • Motor neurons
    • Efferent neurons
    • Carry impulses away from CNS
    • Always multipolar
    • Effect a response



Last modified: Thursday, 18 March 2021, 1:11 PM