Explain the structure and function of a neuron. Include the terms dendrites, cell body (soma),axon, and synapse in your explanation.

A neuron, also known as a nerve cell, is a cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system. Neurons are responsible for receiving sensory input from the external world, sending motor commands to our muscles, and transforming and relaying the electrical signals at every step in between.

1. Dendrites: These are branch-like structures that extend from the neuron cell body. They receive signals from other neurons and transmit these signals to the cell body. Dendrites increase the surface area of the neuron, allowing it to receive signals from many other neurons.

2. Cell Body (Soma): This is the central part of the neuron. It contains the nucleus of the cell, and other structures that maintain the cell's health and function. The cell body integrates the signals received from the dendrites and sends a signal down the axon if the total strength of the signals is strong enough.

3. Axon: This is a long, slender projection that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body. The function of the axon is to transmit information to different neurons, muscles, and glands. In some cases, these can be quite long, extending a meter or more.

4. Synapse: This is the junction between two neurons. The signal, in the form of an electrical impulse, travels down the axon of the neuron sending the signal, to the end of the axon. Here, the signal triggers the release of neurotransmitters, chemicals that cross the synapse and transmit the signal to the dendrites of the next neuron.

In summary, the structure of a neuron is designed to receive signals at the dendrites, integrate these signals in the cell body, and, if the signal is strong enough, send a signal down the axon to communicate with other neurons via the synapses.