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Neuron

A neuron is a nerve cell that carries messages in the body in the form of electrical impulses.

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Student-friendly explanation

Neurons are the basic working units of the nervous system. They receive information from receptors, carry it to the brain or spinal cord, and then take instructions to the body parts that must act. A neuron has a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Dendrites receive the message, the cell body processes it, and the axon carries it forward. This fast message system helps the body react quickly.

How to write this in exams

  1. 1

    Start with the exact idea

    A neuron is a nerve cell that carries messages in the body in the form of electrical impulses.

  2. 2

    Then show how to use it

    1. Identify the message source. 2. Dendrites receive the impulse. 3. Cell body processes it. 4. Axon carries the impulse forward. 5. Nerve endings pass it to the next neuron or effector.

  3. 3

    Add one concrete example

    When you touch a hot pan, sensory neurons carry the message from the skin to the spinal cord, and motor neurons carry the response back to the hand muscles.

  4. 4

    Avoid this incomplete answer

    A common wrong answer is to say the axon receives impulses and dendrites carry them away. That reverses the actual direction.

Definition

A neuron is a nerve cell that carries messages in the body in the form of electrical impulses.

Example

When you touch a hot pan, sensory neurons carry the message from the skin to the spinal cord, and motor neurons carry the response back to the hand muscles.

Rule to remember

Rule: dendrites receive impulses, axon carries impulses away from the cell body.

Memory hook

Dendrites receive, axon delivers.

Examples and method

Worked example

A pin touches the finger. Sensory neurons carry the impulse to the spinal cord. After processing, motor neurons send an impulse to the hand muscles so the hand moves away.

Method to apply

1. Identify the message source. 2. Dendrites receive the impulse. 3. Cell body processes it. 4. Axon carries the impulse forward. 5. Nerve endings pass it to the next neuron or effector.

Diagram support

A labelled neuron diagram should show dendrites, cell body, axon, and nerve endings.

How CBSE asks it

The exam may ask for the parts of a neuron, the direction of impulse flow, or the role of neurons in reflex action.

Avoid common mistakes

Common confusion

Many students think every nerve cell does the same job. In fact, sensory neurons, relay neurons, and motor neurons have different roles.

Common wrong answer

A common wrong answer is to say the axon receives impulses and dendrites carry them away. That reverses the actual direction.

Exam tip

When asked about a neuron, mention both structure and function. A neat label of dendrite, cell body, and axon often adds marks.

Quick check

Why are neurons important in the body even though the body also has muscles and glands?

Neurons are important because they carry messages rapidly from receptors to control centres and then from those centres to muscles or glands. Without neurons, the body would not be able to coordinate quick responses.

Answer writing and exam use

1-mark answer

A neuron is a nerve cell that carries messages in the body in the form of electrical impulses.

2-mark answer

A neuron is a nerve cell that carries messages in the body in the form of electrical impulses. Rule: dendrites receive impulses, axon carries impulses away from the cell body. When you touch a hot pan, sensory neurons carry the message from the skin to the spinal cord, and motor neurons carry the response back to the hand muscles.

3-mark answer

Neurons are the basic working units of the nervous system. They receive information from receptors, carry it to the brain or spinal cord, and then take instructions to the body parts that must act. A neuron has a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Dendrites receive the message, the cell body processes it, and the axon carries it forward. This fast message system helps the body react quickly. Rule: dendrites receive impulses, axon carries impulses away from the cell body. A pin touches the finger. Sensory neurons carry the impulse to the spinal cord. After processing, motor neurons send an impulse to the hand muscles so the hand moves away. The exam may ask for the parts of a neuron, the direction of impulse flow, or the role of neurons in reflex action. A common wrong answer is to say the axon receives impulses and dendrites carry them away. That reverses the actual direction.
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