Structure of a neuron

Dendrite

A Dendrite is a short, think, widely branching nerve fibre that is specialised to detect and receive neural information.

Axon

A single, tube like, fluid-filled extension that transmits messages from the soma to other cells in the body including other neurons, muscles, organs and glands. Encased in a white fatty substance that helps speed up transmission called myelin sheath.

Synaptic Knob

A small structure, like a sac that stores chemicals called neurotransmitters which assist in the transmission neural information from one neuron to another.

Terminals

Located at the end of each axon branch. Each axon terminal has a small knob-like swelling at the tip of it called a terminal button/synaptic knob.

Soma

Soma or cell body is the structure that determines whether the neuron will be activated and thus transmit ( send) messages to other neurons.