Nerve cell. Computer artwork of a nerve cell (neuron). Neurons are responsible for passing information around the central nervous system (CNS, brain and spinal cord) and from the CNS to the rest of the body. This information is transmitted as electrical impulses (white flashes). A nerve cell comprises a central nerve cell body surrounded by numerous extensions. Most of these are dendrites, which collect information from other nerve cells or from sensory cells. Each neuron also has an extension called an axon, through which information passes outwards to other cells, including other nerve cells and muscle fibres. Dendrites and axons meet at junctions known as synapses.