neurone

views updated May 18 2018

neurone (nerve cell) (newr-ohn) n. one of the basic functional units of the nervous system: a cell specialized to transmit electrical nerve impulses and so carry information from one part of the body to another (see illustration). Impulses enter the neurone through branches of the dendrites and are carried away from the cell body through the axon (nerve fibre). They are transmitted to adjacent neurones or to effector organs through minute gaps (see synapse, neuromuscular junction). See also motor neurone.

neurone

views updated May 29 2018

neurone (neuron) A nerve cell. It is a nucleated cell through which impulses are conducted, being transferred from one neurone to the next at a synapse. Neurones are commonly long and threadlike in shape.