Cellular structure of the brain

The cellular structure of the brain is a relatively recent discovery and it's Santiago Ramòn y Cajal that recognised it; in addition to this he recognised the neuron as the basic unit. Three main elements can be recognized in the neuron: the soma, the axon and the dendrites. The soma is the cell body where the nucleus is located. The axon is the electrically active part of the neuron, it is in fact through the axon (from the axon hillock) that the action potential is spread to be able to reach other neurons and send information. The dendrites are processes attached to the soma that have as main function that of increasing the surface area of the neuron so to be able to receive inputs from the other neurons. Neurons communicate between each other and can either diverge on many other neurons or many information can converge on one single neuron. The complicated pathways that result from this give rise to the neural networks. 

SD
Answered by Sara D. Biology tutor

2468 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is an Action Potential transmitted across a synapse?


Describe how a non-competitive inhibitor works to inhibit the activity of an enzyme.


List three differences in the composition of tissue fluid at the arterial end of the capillaries to the tissue fluid at the venous end of the capillaries.


Describe the part played by each of the organelles involved in the production and secretion of the enzymes.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning