What is the smallest structural unit of the nervous system?

The smallest structural unit of the nervous system is a neuron. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals. They are the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system, consisting of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Neurons are responsible for processing and conveying sensory information, responding to stimuli, and facilitating communication between different parts of the nervous system.

While axons, synapses, and dendrites play crucial roles in how neurons function, they are not standalone units. Axons are the long projections that carry signals away from the neuron's cell body, synapses are the junctions between neurons where communication occurs, and dendrites are the branches that receive signals from other neurons. However, none of these components can be classified as the smallest structural unit on their own, as they are all integral parts of the neuron itself. Thus, recognizing that neurons are the fundamental units is essential for understanding the structure and function of the nervous system.