The structure of the neuron consists of connective tissue, glial cells and proteins that make up spider webbing, called a matrix. This connective tissue houses the neuron. It contains proteoglycan aggregates, water, calcium, mineral salts and adhesive glycoprotein, reports Texas A & M University. Increasing the flexibility and strength of neurons, connective tissue also contains elastin and collagen. These two fibers increase the longevity of neural cells. Cytoplasmic fluid supports little organs inside the neuron, as well as allowing energy in and wastes out. Fibrous proteins that stick together create the connective tissue structure of a neuron. Glial or nerve cells support neurons and make up the tissue railway of the spinal cord. These cells do not have a neuron but make up the material that surrounds clusters of neurons in the brain, spinal column and body tissue.
Neurons in the brain transmit impulses through bundles of connective tissue. Nerve fibers from glial cells form tubing that connect the brain stem to nerve fibers in the coccyx. This tubing allows electrical and chemical impulses from the neurons, to travel up and down the spine. Inside the neuron is a system of tiny organs that house chromosomes, DNA and ribosomes that make protein, as well as mitochondria for breathing. The body of the neuron is made up of dendrites-arms and legs, axons-a transmission path and synaptic terminals-that empty and fill with chemical messages. Sensory and motor receptors from the rest of the body send and receive information that is transmitted from every surface of the neuron, notes the Anatomy Website of the University of Pittsburgh.
Neurons in the brain transmit data. Bundled in connective nerve tissue in the spinal cord, ganglia of neurons nestle in the muscles, organs and bones. These ganglia provide input to and from sensory and motor receptors in our ears, eyes, nose, mouth, skin, organs, muscles and bones. Information from the central nervous system in the brain conveys data to and from the autonomic -- breathing, heart rate, blood flow and somatic muscle innervations, portions of the nervous system, through the spinal cord, to groups neurons throughout the body.
Neurons are the oldest and longest living cells in the body. Housing 100 billion neurons, the brain organizes trillions of bits of data that travel to and from the tips of our fingers and toes to the spinal column. Nerve damage in the spinal cord can cause paralysis and even death, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. If one or two of the fibers survive the damage, nerve tissue can regenerate by adhering glial cells to reestablishing neural connections.