DENDRITES

Dendrites are the segments of the neuron that receive stimulation in order for the cell to become active. They conduct electrical messages to the neuron cell body for the cell to function. The nervous system serves as the manager of the body, since it controls the functions of every other system. It communicates with bodily systems in order to coordinate performance and to meet the needs of the body from moment to moment. The nervous system uses specialized cells, called neurons, to generate and relay electrical messages, called action potentials, to control these functions. Neurons have several key structures that are necessary for their function, and one of the most important structures in the cell is the dendrite. A study, performed in adult mice, found that the branch-like projections on some neurons, called "dendrites," were still physically malleable. Dendrites conduct electrical signals received from other neurons to the parent neuron's cell body. The changes occurred both incrementally and in short bursts, and involved both growth and shrinkage.