Nerve Cell

This illustration shows an artists impression of nerve cells or neurons. These are the basic units that makes up nerve tissue. Each neuron consists of a large star like structure called the cell body that contains the nucleus. Sourrounding the cell body are long thin projections called dendrites, these form connections (synapses) with other neurons or tissue. The long tail like structure of the cell is called the axon and is surrounded by a protective layer of tissue called the myelin sheath, this allows for better signal conductivity through the cell. Three connecting neurons are shown in this image.