What are the basic structural units of the nervous system?

The basic structural units of the nervous system are neurons. Neurons are specialized cells that are responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. They consist of three main parts: the cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Dendrites receive signals from other neurons, while the axon transmits signals away from the neuron to communicate with other cells. This unique structure allows neurons to effectively transfer information and coordinate responses, making them critical to the functioning of the nervous system.

Other components such as axons, dendrites, and synapses play important roles in neuron function and communication, but they are not classified as the basic structural units themselves. Instead, they are parts of the neuron or mechanisms of communication between neurons rather than individual units of the nervous system. Therefore, understanding that neurons serve as the fundamental building blocks is key to grasping how the nervous system operates.