Neuron

PD Image
Labeled diagram of a neuron.

In biology, a neuron is a cell that specializes in information transfer, and the fundamental unit of the nervous system. Neurons can initiate and transmit the electrical signals necessary for the proper function of most biological organisms. The unique structure of a neuron is optimized to allow it to transfer information intracellularly from one part of the cell to another and intercellularly between cells. The three structural elements unique to neurons are the axon, which is used for intracellular information transfer, the dendrite, which is the site often used to receive information from other neurons, and the synapse, which allow them to transmit signals to other neurons in the organism. Neurons also contain a cell body or soma which contains the cell nucleus and other organelles which are required for normal cell functioning.