Thus, each nerve cell has plasma membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, and organelles. Nonetheless, neurons are highly specialized for intercellular communication, which is reflected in their morphology. 1.1 shows a prototypical neuron. It has three major parts - a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Cell body contains the nucleus, and organelles.
Dendrites arise from the neuronal cell body.
Most neurons have multiple dendrites, which are typically short and highly branched. The dendrites provide site for the contact of other nerve cells, and thus can be regarded as specialized for receiving information. Axons are unique extension from the neuronal cell body. The information is carried along the axon in the form of self-regenerating electrical wave called action potential. Action potential initiates at the junction between cell body and axon called the axon hillock.