neuron
Definition
Noun: A specialized cell within the nervous system that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. It is the fundamental unit of the brain and nervous system, responsible for receiving, processing, and sending nerve impulses.
Usage
The word "neuron" is a countable noun. It is used to refer to a single nerve cell or collectively to describe these cells as a system. * A typical neuron consists of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. * The study focused on how neurons communicate with each other across synapses. * Damage to the motor neurons can result in loss of muscle control.
Examples
- Scientists are mapping the connections between every neuron in the brain.
- Sensory neurons carry information from the sense organs to the central nervous system.
- The new theory suggests that mirror neurons play a key role in empathy and learning by imitation.
Advanced Usage
- "to fire" (used with neuron): Describes the moment a neuron generates and sends an electrical impulse.
- When the stimulus reached a certain threshold, the neuron fired.
- In computational contexts, "neuron" can refer to an artificial or computational model inspired by biological neurons.
- Each node in the neural network acts as an artificial neuron.
Variants and Related Words
- Neural (adjective): Relating to a nerve, neuron, or the nervous system.
- Neural pathways are formed through repeated experience.
- Neuronal (adjective): Specifically relating to or characteristic of a neuron.
- The research observed neuronal activity in real-time.
- Neurotransmitter (noun): A chemical substance released by a neuron to transmit an impulse to another cell.
- Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood.
Synonyms
- Nerve cell: The most direct synonym.
- Neurone: An alternative, chiefly British, spelling.
Related Phrases and Compounds
- Motor neuron: A neuron that carries impulses from the central nervous system to a muscle or gland.
- Sensory neuron: A neuron that carries impulses from a receptor (e.g., in the skin) to the central nervous system.
- Interneuron: A neuron that transmits impulses between other neurons, especially in the brain and spinal cord.
Noun
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a cell that is specialized to conduct nerve impulses
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