Neurons, also called nerve cells, are the basic structural and functional units of the nervous system. They are responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. Neurons are composed of three main parts: the cell body, dendrites, and axon.

1. Cell Body (Soma):

- The cell body is the main part of the neuron and contains the nucleus, which carries the genetic material (DNA).

- It is the metabolic center of the neuron and integrates the incoming signals from the dendrites.

2. Dendrites:

- Dendrites are short, branched extensions that emerge from the cell body.

- They receive electrical signals (neurotransmitters) from other neurons and conduct them towards the cell body.

3. Axon:

- The axon is a long, slender projection that extends from the cell body.

- It conducts electrical signals (nerve impulses) away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

The cell body, dendrites, and axon work together to process and transmit information in the nervous system. The dendrites receive signals from other neurons, which are integrated in the cell body. If the integrated signal reaches a certain threshold, an action potential (nerve impulse) is generated and propagated along the axon. This action potential then transmits the signal to other neurons, muscles, or glands, enabling communication within the nervous system.