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Nerve cell. Conceptual computer artwork of a nerve cell, also called a neuron emitting electrical sparks. Neurons are responsible for passing information around the central nervous system (CNS) and from the CNS to the rest of the body. The nerve cell comprises a nerve cell body (centre) surrounded by numerous extensions called dendrites, which collect information from other nerve cells or from sensory cells. Each neuron has one process called an axon through which information passes to other cells, including other nerve cells and muscle fibres. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/PASIEKA)