2. s an electrically excitable cell that processes andtransmits
information through electrical and chemicalsignals. A typical
neuron possesses a cell body (often calledthe soma), dendrites, and
an axon. 3. Neurons exist in a number of different shapes andsizes
and can be classified by their morphologyand function. Type I with
long axons used to move signals overlong distances Type II with
short axons, which can often beconfused with dendrites. 4.
Direction Afferent neurons: convey information from tissuesand
organs into the central nervous system andare sometimes also called
sensory neurons. Efferent neurons: transmit signals from the
centralnervous system to the effector cells and aresometimes called
motor neurons. 5. Interneurons: connect neurons within
specificregions of the central nervous system. Afferent and
efferent: also refer generally toneurons that, respectively, bring
information to orsend information from the brain region. 6. Neurons
can be classified according totheir electrophysiological
characteristics: Tonic or regular spiking. Some neurons are
typicallyconstantly active. Phasic or bursting. Neurons that fire
in bursts arecalled phasic. Fast spiking. Some neurons are notable
for theirhigh firing rates, for example some types of
corticalinhibitory interneurons 7. A neuron affects other neurons
by releasing aneurotransmitter that binds to chemical receptors.The
effect upon the postsynaptic neuron isdetermined not by the
presynaptic neuron or bythe neurotransmitter, but by the type of
receptorthat is activated. A neurotransmitter can bethought of as a
key, and a receptor as a lock 8. Neurological disorders Alzheimers
disease Parkinsons disease Myasthenia gravis Demyelination Axonal
degeneration
