Key word for it and for what it controls. It also controls some speech and movement. Neurons are similar to other cells because they are surrounded by a membrane and have a nucleus suspended in a watery cytoplasm. This part of the neuron is called the cell body. Neurons are different from other cells because they have long, thin extensions called dendrites and axons.
Neurons carry messages throughout the nervous system.
Messages enter a cell through its dendrites and travel on through the cell. When a message reaches the end of an axon, certain chemicals are released that move across the gap between the axon and the next cell s dendrites. These chemicals allow the dendrites to receive the message. This occurs because the type of the information stored on neurons in a particular area of the brain determines what function that area will have. Having some of your neurons die naturally occurs with aging and doesn t present a major problem.