Neurons are the basic subunit, or monomer of the nervous system. They consist of a cell body (containing a nucleus and cell organelles) and long, thin, neuron fibers. There are two types of neuron fibers: axons and dendrites. Dendrites are usually shorter than axons and receive signals from other neurons to convey to the cell body. Axons are usually longer than dendrites and transmit signals to other neurons or effector cells.
Supporting cells, or glial cells are another basic unit of the nervous system as well. Glia are more numerous than neurons and serve to assist, separate, and insulate neurons. This website focuses mainly on one type of glia: the Schwann cell. It is the principal glia of the peripheral nervous system. Schwann cells make up themyelin sheath.
The myelin sheath plays a very important role on conducting signals through the body. It covers axons, but leaves spaces called nodes of Ranvier. This allows signals to travel faster by leaping from node to node, reducing the length of the path.
Supporting cells, or glial cells are another basic unit of the nervous system as well. Glia are more numerous than neurons and serve to assist, separate, and insulate neurons. This website focuses mainly on one type of glia: the Schwann cell. It is the principal glia of the peripheral nervous system. Schwann cells make up themyelin sheath.
The myelin sheath plays a very important role on conducting signals through the body. It covers axons, but leaves spaces called nodes of Ranvier. This allows signals to travel faster by leaping from node to node, reducing the length of the path.
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