Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Neuron
A neuron is a nerve cell. Neurons send information to and from your brain to the rest of your body. A neuron is made up of:
- A cell body. This is where the nucleus is.
- Dendrites. The dendrites receive signals from other neurons.
- A long, thin axon. The axon is covered by a myelin sheath. The axon passes information to the next neuron or other cell in the body.
- A myelin sheath. The axons have a protective covering called myelin. Without myelin, the brain and spinal cord can't communicate with each other or with the nerves in the rest of the body.
There are different types of neurons. Sensory neurons send information from your senses (for example, touch or hearing) to your brain. Motor neurons send signals from the brain to the muscles.
Last Revised: February 15, 2012
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology
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