Explain the structure of a nerve cell with the help of a diagram.

A nerve cell or neuron is the basic structural unit of the nervous system. It has three parts — cell body, axon and dendrites.

1. The cell body called cyton contains the nucleus.
2. Many short fibres called dendrons arise from the cell. They further divide to form dendrites. Dendrites receive messages from other neurons.
3. A single, long fibre called axon extends from the other side of the cell body. It is covered by a sheath called myelin sheath.

Below diagram shows the structure of a neuron: