Neurons (nerve cells) have three parts that carry out the functions of communication and integration: dendrites, axons, and axon terminals. They have a fourth part the cell body or soma, which carries out the basic life processes of neurons. The figure at the right shows a typical neuron. Neurons have a single axon is the output of the neuron. Axons are long (up to several feet long), but thin - - sort of like a wire. They are designed both in shape and function to carry information reliably and quickly over long distances (communication). Axons usually branch to connect to go to different neurons.