Nerve cells (neurons)

Nerve cells (neurons) are specialised cells that carry information (messages) through the body using electrical and chemical signals.

• A neuron has a cell body (with the nucleus) and long extensions called nerve fibres.
• The many short branches, called dendrites, help the neuron receive messages from other neurons or from sense organs.
• The single very long branch, called the axon, helps the neuron send messages over long distances—like a fast wire carrying a signal.
• Neurons pass messages to the next cell at tiny gaps called synapses, using chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) to cross the gap.
• Real-life example: when you touch something hot, neurons quickly carry the message from your skin to the spinal cord/brain, and then send a message back to your muscles to pull your hand away.

Their long, branched shape makes them perfect for building a quick communication network that connects the brain, spinal cord, sense organs, and muscles.