What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?

The basic functional unit of the nervous system is the neuron. Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. They communicate via electrical impulses and chemical signals, forming complex networks that enable the function of the nervous system.

Each neuron consists of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Dendrites receive signals from other neurons, while the axon transmits impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or target tissues. This intricate communication is essential for processes such as reflexes, sensory perception, and motor control.

In contrast, neuron synapses refer to the junctions between neurons where signal transmission occurs but do not represent the unit itself. Glial cells serve supportive roles in the nervous system but are not involved in direct signal transmission. Axons are important components of neurons but are not the entire unit, as they cannot function independently without the rest of the neuronal structure. Thus, the neuron stands as the fundamental building block, crucial for the operation of the nervous system.