How are nerve cells specialized to do their job?

While neurons have a lot in common with other types of cells, they’re structurally and functionally unique. Specialized projections called axons allow neurons to transmit electrical and chemical signals to other cells. Neurons can also receive these signals via rootlike extensions known as dendrites.

What is the specialization of a nerve cell?

The distinguishing characteristic of nerve cells is their specialization for intercellular communication. This attribute is apparent in their overall morphology, in the specialization of their membranes for electrical signaling, and in the structural and functional intricacies of the synaptic contacts between them.

What makes a nerve cell or neuron a very specialized cells of the nervous system?

However, neurons differ from other cells in the body because: Neurons have specialize cell parts called dendrites and axons. Dendrites bring electrical signals to the cell body and axons take information away from the cell body. Neurons communicate with each other through an electrochemical process.

Why do cells need to be specialized?

Multicellular organisms need many different types of cells to carry out the same life processes. Each of these special types of cells has a different structure that helps it perform a specific function. Cell differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized in order to perform different functions.

What is the importance of specialized cells in our body?

Specialized cells perform specialized functions in multicellular organisms. Groups of specialized cells cooperate to form a tissue, such as a muscle. Different tissues are in turn grouped together to form larger functional units, called organs.

How are nerve cells different to other cells?

What will happen if nerve cells are not specialized for conduction?

None of our perceptions, thoughts, or memories would be possible without nerve conduction, the process by which nerve impulses are propagated along our neurons. Nerve conduction is an electrochemical process, which means that it uses electricity made with chemical molecules.

Why do cells become specialized?

Cell differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized in order to perform different functions.

How do nerve cells communicate with other nerve cells?

Nerve cells or neurons communicate with each other by releasing specific molecules in the gap between them, the synapses. The sending neuron passes on messages through packets of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are picked up by the receiving cell with the help of receptors on its surface.

How do nerve endings work?

Free nerve endings can detect temperature, mechanical stimuli (touch, pressure, stretch) or danger (nociception). Thus, different free nerve endings work as thermoreceptors, cutaneous mechanoreceptors and nociceptors. In other words, they express polymodality.

Why are nerve cells so important?

Transmission of Nerve Impulses. Neurons are some of the most important cells in the body. This is because they are involved in cell communication that, in turn, allows an organism to function as it should in its environment.