taugafrumum

taugafrumum is the dative plural form of taugafruma in Icelandic, referring to nerve cells in the nervous system. The corresponding nominative plural is taugafrumur. In Icelandic scientific usage, taugafrumum appears in phrases where these cells are the indirect object or part of a prepositional phrase.

Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. A typical neuron consists of a soma (cell body) containing the nucleus, dendrites that receive inputs, and a long axon that sends impulses to other cells. The axon may be insulated by a myelin sheath, produced by glial cells, which increases conduction speed. Signals are transmitted across synapses by neurotransmitters, enabling communication within neural circuits. Neurons vary in size and shape and are classified into functional groups such as sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.

Neurons form networks throughout the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system. They integrate sensory information, control motor outputs, and contribute to cognitive functions, learning, and memory. Dysfunction of neurons underlies many neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases.

In Icelandic, the term taugafrumum is primarily used in scientific contexts; in English, the corresponding term is neuron, with plural neurons.