IGCSE Biology glossary
Neurone
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
A specialised nerve cell that transmits electrical impulses rapidly around the body. Neurones have a cell body containing the nucleus, dendrites that receive impulses, and a long axon that carries the impulse away from the cell body.
What to include in an exam answer
Note the spelling: neurone, not neuron (Cambridge uses the British spelling). Know the three types: sensory, relay and motor. The axon may be insulated with a myelin sheath for faster transmission.
Example in context
Describe the structure of a motor neurone (3 marks): It has a cell body containing the nucleus, short dendrites that receive impulses from relay neurones, and a long axon that carries impulses from the CNS to an effector (muscle or gland).
Related syllabus topic
Coordination & responseRelated terms
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- Motor neurone
- Relay neurone
- Receptor
- Effector
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