What is a Neuron?

The brain is a very amazing organ.  It carries out higher level processing, which is no easy task.  In order to work properly, the trillions of cells in the brain must work together well.  These cells are neurons and are specialized to carry messages through electrochemical processes.

Below is a basic structure of a neuron:

The neuron receives messages from other neurons at its dendrites.  It passes this information along its axon through electrical signals.  At the presynaptic terminal, the neuron passes its message onto the next cell through chemical signaling.  The neuron can pass its message to muscle cells, which help you move around!