Neurons

Definition

Neurons are specialized cells in our nervous system that transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells. They are the basic working units of the brain.

Related terms

Synapse: This is the junction between two neurons where information is transferred from one neuron to another.

Neurotransmitters: These are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron.

Axon: This is a long slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.