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Nerve cells, or neurons, are the basic functional units of the nervous system. Multiple interconnected neurons form a neural circuit and use electrical and chemical signals to quickly transmit information throughout an organism. The nervous system is broadly divided into two sections: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord whereas the PNS includes neurons that branch off from the CNS and connect to the rest of the body. In general, neurons in the PNS receive and carry signals in the body while neurons in the CNS analyze information.
Types of NeuronsSensory neuronsThe cell bodies of sensory neurons are located in the dorsal root ganglia—cell body clusters just outside the spinal cord—whereas their peripheral extensions travel throughout the body. Specifically, sensory neurons are activated by a ...
