How is a neuron adapted to perform its function?
1 Answer
The nerves cells are rather long which enables communication with distant body parts. The dendrites allow for communication with other neurons. Myelin surrounding the axon of a neuron acts as an insulator.
Explanation:
The above example is a very general description. In fact, neurons can be categorized into three groups based on their function:
Sensory neurons:
-
Carry impulses from the receptors (cells that detect the stimuli i.e. heat or pressure) to the central nervous system (CSN).
-
They have longer dendrites and shorter axons due to carrying of impulses from sensory organs to the spinal cord or brain.
-
In general, sensory neurons are very long cells as they have to carry the impulses from the body to the place where the response occurs.
Motor Neurons
-
Carry impulses from the CSN to the effector (cells responding to the stimuli i.e organs, muscles)
-
They have long axons and shorter dendrites due to the passage of impulses from spinal cord or brain to the effector organs/cells.
Relay neurons
-
Co-ordinate responses
-
They are known as link neurons in the CNS due to their function which is to link sensory neurons with the motor neurons
