The neuron has three basic regions.
The body contains the nucleus.
The body or soma has cytoplasmic extensions known aa dendrites
The body and dendrites comprise the receptive region of the cell. Dendrites may bind chemical messengers called neurotransmitters that may alter the permeability of the cell to certain ions.
Dendrites may also be sensitive to other stimuli leading to changes in membrane permeability.
The axon is the transmissive region of the neuron. Electrochemical changes in the body may be propogated along the axon in a process known as action potential.
The terminal branches are part of the secretory region of the neuron.
The terminal branches contain neurotransmitter vesicles.
Under certain conditions the vesicles bind to the plasma membrane and release the neurotransmitter.
