What is the difference between neurons and nerve cells

Bipolar neurons have two processes extending from the cell body examples: retinal cells, olfactory epithelium cells. Pseudounipolar cells example: dorsal root ganglion cells. Actually, these cells have 2 axons rather than an axon and dendrite. One axon extends centrally toward the spinal cord, the other axon extends toward the skin or muscle. Multipolar neurons have many processes that extend from the cell body. However, each neuron has only one axon examples: spinal motor neurons, pyramidal neurons, Purkinje cells.

Check out the Gallery of Neurons to see some pictures of real neurons or "Sidewalk Cells" to see photographs of neurons on the street. What is inside of a neuron? A neuron has many of the same organelles such as mitochondria, cytoplasm and a nucleus, as other cells in the body. Did you know? Neurons are the oldest and longest cells in the body! You have many of the same neurons for your whole life. Although other cells die and are replaced, many neurons are never replaced when they die.

In fact, you have fewer neurons when you are old compared to when you are young. On the other hand, data published in November show that in one area of the brain the hippocampus , new neurons CAN grow in adult humans.

Neurons can be quite large - in some neurons, such as corticospinal neurons from motor cortex to spinal cord or primary afferent neurons neurons that extend from the skin into the spinal cord and up to the brain stem , can be several feet long! Types of Neurons Nerve Cells The human body is made up of trillions of cells.

Neurons are similar to other cells in the body because: Neurons are surrounded by a cell membrane. Neurons have a nucleus that contains genes. Neurons contain cytoplasm, mitochondria and other organelles. They pick signals from the other cells. The axon is a long, thin fiber extended from the cell body. The branches of the axon at its terminal are the synaptic knobs. Most axons are wrapped with a fatty myelin sheath produced by Schwann cells. The small gaps within the myelin sheath are called the nodes of Ranvier.

The structure of a typical nerve cell is shown in figure 3. Figure 3: A Typical Neuron. Nerve: A nerve is a whitish fiber of neuron cells which carry impulses to the central nervous system and from the central nervous system to the effector organs. Neuron: A neuron is a specialized cell involved in transmitting nerve impulses.

Nerve: Nerves are found only in the peripheral nervous system. Neuron: Neurons are found in both peripheral and central nervous systems. Nerve: A large number of nerve fibers are grouped together to form a nerve along with blood vessels and lymphatics.

Neuron: A neuron is composed of an axon, cell body, and dendrites. Nerve: The nerve acts a conducting zone for transporting signals. Neuron: The chemical and electronic signals are generated in the neuron.

Nerve: Cranial nerves, spinal nerves, sensory nerves, and motor nerves are the types of nerves in the body. Neuron: Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons are the types of neurons in the body. Nerve and neuron are two components of the nervous system of a vertebrate.

The neuron is the cell that makes up the nervous system. The nerve is a bundle of neurons. The neuron is responsible for generating nerve impulses in the form of chemical and electrical signals whereas nerves provide the environment for conducting the nerve impulses.

Thus, the main difference between nerve and neuron is their application in the nervous system in vertebrates.

Byjus Classes, 07 Sept. Available here. Axon — The long, thin structure in which action potentials are generated; the transmitting part of the neuron. After initiation, action potentials travel down axons to cause release of neurotransmitter. Dendrite — The receiving part of the neuron. Dendrites receive synaptic inputs from axons, with the sum total of dendritic inputs determining whether the neuron will fire an action potential.

Spine — The small protrusions found on dendrites that are, for many synapses, the postsynaptic contact site. Action potential — Brief electrical event typically generated in the axon that signals the neuron as 'active'. An action potential travels the length of the axon and causes release of neurotransmitter into the synapse.

The action potential and consequent transmitter release allow the neuron to communicate with other neurons. Help QBI research Give now. QBI newsletters Subscribe. Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer. Site search Search.