Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

What is a neuron?

1. A type of muscle tissue

2. A cell in the brain that transmits and processes information

3. A part of the digestive system

4. A component of the immune system

The correct answer is: A cell in the brain that transmits and processes information

A neuron is a specialized cell in the nervous system that plays a critical role in transmitting and processing information throughout the body. Neurons are unique in their structure and function; they are designed to receive, process, and send signals via electrical and chemical means. This allows for communication within the brain and between the brain and the rest of the body, facilitating functions such as motor control, sensation, and cognition. Neurons consist of three main parts: the cell body, dendrites, and an axon. The cell body contains the nucleus and necessary organelles, the dendrites receive incoming signals from other neurons, and the axon transmits signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. The intricate connections formed between neurons, known as synapses, are essential for the rapid communication that underpins all nervous system functions. Understanding the role of neurons is fundamental in fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and medicine, as they are the building blocks of the nervous system and are involved in everything from reflexes to complex cognitive processes.