A student was asked to write the characteristic feature of a nerve cel...
Mitochondria are tiny organelles inside cells that are involved in releasing energy from food. This process is known as cellular respiration. Due to which they are referred to as the powerhouses of the cell.
A student was asked to write the characteristic feature of a nerve cel...
Characteristic feature of a nerve cell:
A nerve cell, also known as a neuron, is the fundamental unit of the nervous system. It is responsible for transmitting and receiving signals within the body. When viewed under a microscope, a nerve cell exhibits several characteristic features. The correct feature out of the given options is option 'B', which describes a nerve cell as having a cell body with branched cytoplasmic extensions at one end and a long projection at the other end.
Explanation:
1. Cell body:
The cell body, also called the soma, is the main part of a nerve cell. It contains the nucleus, which controls the cell's activities, and other organelles necessary for its functioning. The cell body is typically oval in shape, which is why option 'A' might seem like a plausible answer. However, the correct option 'B' provides a more accurate description.
2. Branched cytoplasmic extensions:
At one end of the cell body, nerve cells have branched cytoplasmic extensions called dendrites. These structures receive signals from other nerve cells or sensory receptors and transmit them towards the cell body. Dendrites increase the surface area available for receiving signals, allowing the nerve cell to gather information from its surroundings.
3. Long projection:
At the other end of the cell body, nerve cells have a long projection called an axon. This structure is responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body and towards other nerve cells or target cells, such as muscles or glands. The axon can vary in length, with some reaching several feet in the human body.
4. Function of nerve cells:
Nerve cells play a crucial role in the transmission of electrical signals, known as nerve impulses or action potentials. These signals allow communication between different parts of the nervous system and facilitate the coordination of various bodily functions. The branched dendrites receive incoming signals, which are then integrated in the cell body. If the resulting signal is strong enough, it is transmitted down the axon as a nerve impulse.
Conclusion:
The correct characteristic feature of a nerve cell, as observed under a microscope, is a cell body with branched cytoplasmic extensions at one end (dendrites) and a long projection at the other end (axon). These features enable nerve cells to transmit and receive signals, allowing for communication within the nervous system.
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