Diagram of Nerve Cell

A diagram of nerve cell enables us to study the fundamental structure of the nerve cell with the help of visual representation. The diagram of nerve cells with labelling helps us to easily understand their structure. Nerve cells, also known as neurons, are the fundamental unit of the nervous system. In this article, we will learn about the structure and function of nerve cells along with the nerve cell diagram.

What is a Nerve Cell?

The nerve cell or neuron is the fundamental structural and functional unit of the nervous system. Neurons are responsible for the processing and transmission of nerve signals throughout the body. A nerve cell structure is divided into dendrites, cell body (soma), and axon. A nerve signal passes from the dendrite to the cell body to the axon.

The transmission of the signal from one neuron to another is facilitated by the synapse containing neurotransmitters i.e. chemical signalling agents present in the junction between two neurons. Neurons are responsible for a wide range of functions like sensory, decision-making, control of body organs, etc. To understand more about the nerve cell, a well-labelled diagram of nerve cell is required.

Diagram of Nerve Cells

The diagram of nerve cells is an important topic in the biology syllabus. The nerve cell diagram is given below:

Types of Nerve Cells

The nerve cells can be classified into two categories based on their function and structure;

A. Based on their function:

1. Sensory Neurons: The nerve cells that are responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses from sensory organs to the central nervous system.
2. Motor Neurons: The nerve cells that are responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses from the central nervous system to the organs and organ systems of the body.
3. Interneurons: The nerve cells that form the central nervous system and connect the sensory and motor neurons, process the information, and form responses.

B. Based on Structure:

1. Unipolar Neurons: A single extension of the nerve cell that divides into the dendrite and axon.
2. Bipolar Neuron: Have two extensions of the nerve cell; one acts as a dendrite and one acts as the axon.
3. Multipolar Neuron: Have multiple extensions of the nerve cell that act as the dendrites and a single extension that acts as the axon. 

Structure of Nerve Cells

The nerve cell is designed in such a manner that it enables the smooth and fast transmission of the nerve impulse through it. This structure is best studied with a detailed nerve cell diagram with labels. A typical nerve cell or neuron consists of the following parts;

1. Cell body or Soma: It is the central body of the nerve cell from which all the extensions arise. It contains the cell organelles and the nucleus
2. Dendrites: These are the short, hair-like, and branched extensions of the cell body that receive the nerve impulse from another neuron.
3. Axon: It is a long, slender extension of the cell body that transmits the nerve impulse to another neuron.
4. Axon Terminal: The branched end of an axon that transmits the neural impulse to the next neuron.
5. Myelin Sheath: The fatty insulation that covers the axon of most neurons. It helps to prevent the loss of nerve impulses to the surroundings.
6. Schwann Cell: The form of glial cells that produces the myelin sheath.
7. Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps between the myelin sheath that lacks insulation.

What is the Function of Nerve Cells?

Given below are some of the essential functions of the nerve cells. They are responsible for:

• The transmission of nerve impulses between the brain and body.
• Processing of the information received by the body and generate appropriate responses based on it.
• Coordinating all the organ systems and functioning of the body.
• Learning things and forming memories.
• Maintaining the internal balance of the body and regulating homeostasis.
• Processing of thoughts, regulating emotions, and processing other decision-making functions.

Conclusion - Diagram of Nerve Cell

A well-labeled nerve cell diagram gives a better understanding of the anatomy of the nerve cell. It also helps to study the vital functions of this fundamental unit of the nervous system. The diagram of nerve cell includes the labelled structures of the nerve cell like axons, dendrites, and the cell body. It serves as an educational tool to help the readers get a visual representation of the nerve cell that will help them understand various concepts of neuroscience.

Also Read:

• Difference Between Nervous System And Endocrine System
• Generation And Conduction of Nerve Impulse
• Nervous Tissue - Definition, Characteristics, Functions, Types
• Difference Between Axon and Dendrite
• Difference Between Sensory And Motor Neurons - GeeksforGeeks