---
title: "Neurons — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Neurons are the cells that carry messages through your nervous system. Learn how they fire, store memories, and show up across AP Psych Units 2 and 5."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/neurons"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Neurons — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Neurons are specialized cells in our nervous system that transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells. They are the basic working units of the brain.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.6 The Brain](/ap-psych-revised/unit-2/brain/study-guide/BZ2a9VqBSSAVII90lhUZ)
- [5.3 Storing](/ap-psych-revised/unit-5/storing/study-guide/dGWJGJ4tczS9TM629yDC)
- [5.6 Biological Bases of Memory](/ap-psych-revised/unit-5/biological-bases-memory/study-guide/dMwTyl3dNib1GhEyLais)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Synapse](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/synapse): This is the junction between two neurons where information is transferred from one neuron to another.
- [Neurotransmitters](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/neurotransmitters): These are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron.
- [Axon](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/axon): This is a long slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.