What are the differences between neurons and other cells?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Neurons

Other Cells

Definition

Neurons are the fundamental unit of the brain and the nervous system. They are also called nerve cells.

Cells are the fundamental unit of all parts of the body

Structure

Neurons are elongated, with a long axon and branched dendrites extending from the cell body that transmits electrical signals to other neurons.

Basic cells are very small and may be rectangular, oval, or irregular in shape depending on their location and function.

Cell membrane

Neurons have a layer of a fatty substance known as myelin surrounding the outer surface of the cell membrane. Myelin functions as insulation. It also speeds the conductivity of electrical signals along the neuron.

Basic cells have an outer, selectively permeable membrane that encloses the cytoplasm. Proteins embedded in the cell membrane function as channels allowing substances to move in and out of the cell.

Interaction

Neurons interact with each other to trigger ongoing actions

Each basic cell acts as a standalone functional unit that is capable of performing its function by itself

Function and Impact

Neurons impact the whole body. They stimulate movement and control how various parts of the body function. They also facilitate consciousness and influence how an individual perceives their environment.

Every cell has a specific function and impacts only the organ or part of the body where they are located. For example, retinal cells facilitate sight and impact only visual function. Cardiac cells pump blood from the heart to the body and impact only heart function.

Regeneration

Neurons are unable to regenerate. This is one of the reasons why spinal cord and brain injuries are so severe.

Most cells of the body are capable of regenerating. This ability is critical in helping to replace older cells or cells damaged in an injury or infection.

Electrical activity and action potential

Neurons exhibit electrical and generate action potential

Basic cells do not exhibit electrical and do not generate action potential

Basis of differentiation	Neurons	Other Cells
Definition	Neurons are the fundamental unit of the brain and the nervous system. They are also called nerve cells.	Cells are the fundamental unit of all parts of the body
Structure	Neurons are elongated, with a long axon and branched dendrites extending from the cell body that transmits electrical signals to other neurons.	Basic cells are very small and may be rectangular, oval, or irregular in shape depending on their location and function.
Cell membrane	Neurons have a layer of a fatty substance known as myelin surrounding the outer surface of the cell membrane. Myelin functions as insulation. It also speeds the conductivity of electrical signals along the neuron.	Basic cells have an outer, selectively permeable membrane that encloses the cytoplasm. Proteins embedded in the cell membrane function as channels allowing substances to move in and out of the cell.
Interaction	Neurons interact with each other to trigger ongoing actions	Each basic cell acts as a standalone functional unit that is capable of performing its function by itself
Function and Impact	Neurons impact the whole body. They stimulate movement and control how various parts of the body function. They also facilitate consciousness and influence how an individual perceives their environment.	Every cell has a specific function and impacts only the organ or part of the body where they are located. For example, retinal cells facilitate sight and impact only visual function. Cardiac cells pump blood from the heart to the body and impact only heart function.
Regeneration	Neurons are unable to regenerate. This is one of the reasons why spinal cord and brain injuries are so severe.	Most cells of the body are capable of regenerating. This ability is critical in helping to replace older cells or cells damaged in an injury or infection.
Electrical activity and action potential	Neurons exhibit electrical and generate action potential	Basic cells do not exhibit electrical and do not generate action potential

What are the differences between neurons and other cells?

Posted December 6, 2023