What are neurons primarily composed of?

Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, are primarily composed of specialized nerve cells. These cells are designed to transmit information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals. Each neuron has a unique structure that includes the cell body, dendrites, and an axon, all of which play specific roles in neural communication.

The term "specialized nerve cells" appropriately encapsulates the essential characteristics of neurons, highlighting their specific functions and structural components that differentiate them from other cell types. Neurons can vary in shape and size, depending on their location and the roles they perform, but all share the core function of processing and transmitting information.

Understanding this aspect of neurons provides a solid foundation for grasping how the nervous system operates and paves the way for further study into their intricate functions within both the central and peripheral nervous systems.