What is the basic building block of the nervous system called?

The basic building block of the nervous system is the neuron. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals. They consist of several key components, including the cell body, dendrites, and axon, which work together to facilitate communication between different parts of the nervous system. Neurons play a crucial role in everything from reflexes to complex cognitive processes by forming networks that process and transmit information.

Understanding the function and structure of neurons provides insight into how the brain and nervous system operate as a whole. While glial cells support neurons and maintain homeostasis, respond to injury, and form myelin, they are not considered the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system. Axons and dendrites are parts of neurons; axons transmit signals away from the cell body while dendrites receive signals from other neurons. Thus, neurons stand out as the essential unit for signaling and processing information in the nervous system.