NERVECELL Meaning and
Definition
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A nerve cell, commonly known as a neuron, is a specialized type of cell that is primarily responsible for transmitting nerve impulses or electrical signals throughout the nervous system of animals, including humans. Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system and function as the main information processors and communicators in the body.
Structurally, nerve cells consist of three main parts: the cell body, dendrites, and an axon. The cell body contains the nucleus and other organelles necessary for cell functioning. Dendrites extend from the cell body and receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors, while the axon is a long, slender fiber that transmits the electrical impulse away from the cell body towards other neurons or target cells.
The communication between neurons occurs via specialized junctions called synapses. When an electrical signal reaches the end of an axon, it triggers the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, which then travel across the synapse and bind to specific receptor sites on the dendrites of adjacent neurons. This process allows the signal to be passed from one neuron to another, enabling the transmission and integration of information throughout the nervous system.
Nerve cells are vital for various functions, including sensory perception, motor control, cognition, and emotions. They form complex networks and pathways that facilitate the rapid processing of information and ensure the proper functioning of the body. The study of nerve cells, their structure, and their functioning is fundamental to understanding the mechanisms underlying brain activity and neurological disorders.
Common Misspellings for NERVECELL
- norvcell
- bervecell
- mervecell
- jervecell
- hervecell
- nwrvecell
- nsrvecell
- ndrvecell
- nrrvecell
- n4rvecell
- n3rvecell
- neevecell
- nedvecell
- nefvecell
- netvecell
- ne5vecell
- ne4vecell
- nercecell
- nerbecell
- nergecell
Etymology of NERVECELL
The word "nervecell" is a compound word that combines "nerve" and "cell".
The word "nerve" has its origins in Latin, where it is derived from the word "nervus", meaning "sinew, tendon". In Old English, "nerv" referred to "tendon, sinew, or cord". Over time, the meaning of "nerve" expanded to include the bundles of fibers that transmit signals between different parts of the body, specifically associated with the function of sensation and movement.
The term "cell" derives from Latin as well, coming from the word "cella", meaning "small room" or "storeroom". It was used to refer to small, enclosed spaces or compartments. In biology, the term "cell" came to represent the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
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