Some examples of neuroglia include microglia, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. We will discuss the concept of the myelin sheath a little later. Neurons are extremely long-lived. As long as they are not damaged by disease or trauma, they can last a lifetime. Neurons have a high metabolic rate, requiring a continuous and abundant supply of oxygen and glucose.
Neurons have limited powers of regeneration.
If the cell body of a neuron is destroyed, that neuron can not be replaced. Mature neurons are incapable of cell division. 16.2 Neurons have a main CELL BODY, which is 5-140 micrometers in diameter. The cell body contains the nucleus, mitochondria and other cellular organelles. The AXON is a single long, thin process that conducts nerve impulses AWAY from the cell body to another neuron, muscle cell or gland cell.