Nerve cells. Colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of human nerve cells (neurons). Each neuron consists of a rounded cell body, containing a nucleus and cytoplasm, and branching processes extending from it. There are two types of branching processes. A single thicker axon extends from each cell body (as at bottom right); it transmits nerve impulses away from the cell body. While many highly branched dendrites receive incoming impulses and act as sensory receptors for the cell. In this way each neuron receives stimuli, processes it in the cell body, and transmits a response. Neurons are found in grey matter of the brain. Magnification: unknown.