Neuron - click on the play button to hear the words

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Dendrite

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Axon initial segment

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Axon

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Nucleus

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Axon hillock

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Schwann cells

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Soma

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Synapse

Dendrites:

The dendrites recieve input from other neurons. Neurons can have hundreds of dendrites.

Soma:

The soma combines all the input from the dendrites. It also makes the material for the neuron. Neurons only have one soma.

Nucleus:

The nucleus contains all the instructions for the neuron. The DNA and genes are in the nucleus.

Axon hillock:

The part that connects the soma to the axon.

Schwann cells:

Schwann cells cover parts of the axon to help the activity move faster.

Synapse:

The synapse allows one neuron to talk to another. Each neuron has thousands of synapses.

Axon initial segment:

The axon initial segment is where the action potential begins. From here it travels down the axon.

Axon:

The axon transmits activity over long distances. Some axons can be 2 meters (6 1/2 ft) long!