The study of the brain and nerves is called neurology.
The human nervous system consists of 10 billion neurons that can communicate with each other.
Each neuron consists of a head, axon and dendrites. The head of a neuron is known as the cell body. It contains a prominent nucleus.
There are some projections present around the cell body. These are known as dendrites, while a long one that extends to different body organs is known as an axon.
Axon is insulated by a myelin sheath. This sheath is interrupted by nodes of Ranvier.
A synapse is a gap between nerve cells through which impulses are transmitted from one neuron to another.
Types of Neurons Based on Pathways
Afferent Neurons: Neurons that carry impulses toward the central nervous system from different sense organs. These are also known as sensory Neurons.
Neurons that carry impulses from the central nervous system to effectors. These are also known as motor neurons.
Efferent Neurons
The neurons which link together the afferent and efferent neurons.
These are also known as interneurons.