How do nerve cells work?
Nerve cells are the basic functioning component in the nervous system. Every part of the system, whether peripheral or central, is comprised of neurons that collect and distribute information to make the body function. Different types of nerve cells exist that respond to light, sound, touch and other stimuli. The basic structure of a neuron helps it to perform its function. Signals propagated by chemical ions distribute an electrical charge that proceeds from neuron to neuron, passing information. The nucleus is surrounded by the dendrite, which receives signals from other neurons or cells. This electrical charge is then transferred through the cell body called the soma and onto the axon. The axon is long thin part of the neuron covered by myelin sheath. This information then reaches the axon terminal and again transfers the electrical charge to another cell.
