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Definition of Nerve cell
1. Noun. A cell that is specialized to conduct nerve impulses.
Specialized synonyms: Gangliocyte, Ganglion Cell, Brain Cell, Efferent Neuron, Motoneuron, Motor Nerve Fiber, Motor Neuron, Afferent Neuron, Sensory Neuron
Generic synonyms: Somatic Cell, Vegetative Cell
Group relationships: Nervous System, Systema Nervosum
Terms within: Axon, Axone, Dendrite
Derivative terms: Neural, Neuronal, Neuronic
Definition of Nerve cell
1. Noun. (cytology) A cell of the nervous system which conducts nerve impulses; a neuron. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Medical Definition of Nerve cell
1. An excitable cell specialised for the transmission of electrical signals over long distances. Neurons receive input from sensory cells or other neurons and send output to muscles or other neurons. Neurons with sensory input are called sensory neurons, neurons with muscle outputs are called motoneurons, neurons that connect only with other neurons are called interneurons. Neurons connect with each other via synapses. Neurons can be the longest cells known, a single axon can be several metres in length. Although signals are usually sent via action potentials, some neurons are nonspiking. This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)