What are the main components of a nerve cell?

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The main components of a nerve cell, also known as a neuron, include the cell body, nucleus, dendrites, and axon.

The cell body, or soma, contains the nucleus, which houses the cell's genetic material and is essential for maintaining the overall health and function of the neuron. Dendrites are extensions of the neuron that receive signals from other nerve cells, allowing the neuron to process and integrate information. The axon is a long, thin projection that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons or target tissues. It is through this combination of structures that neurons communicate and relay information throughout the nervous system.

While other options mention relevant components of the nervous system, they do not encompass the primary structural elements that define a nerve cell itself. Neurotransmitters and axon terminals are important for signal transmission but are parts of the communication process rather than structures of the neuron. Glial cells and myelin sheath support neurons but are not components of a single nerve cell. Therefore, the inclusion of all four main structures in the correct answer highlights the full anatomy necessary for the function of a neuron.

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