Neurons are highly specialized for the processing and transmission of cellular signals. Given their diversity of functions performed in different parts of the nervous system, there is a wide variety in their shape, size, and electrochemical properties. For instance, the soma of a neuron can vary from 4 to 100 [[Micrometre|micrometers]] in diameter.<ref>{{cite web |first = Melissa |last = Davies |title = The Neuron: size comparison |url = https://www.ualberta.ca/~neuro/OnlineIntro/NeuronExample.htm |work = Neuroscience: A journey through the brain |date = 2002-04-09 |access-date = 2009-06-20}}</ref> | Neurons are highly specialized for the processing and transmission of cellular signals. Given their diversity of functions performed in different parts of the nervous system, there is a wide variety in their shape, size, and electrochemical properties. For instance, the soma of a neuron can vary from 4 to 100 [[Micrometre|micrometers]] in diameter.<ref>{{cite web |first = Melissa |last = Davies |title = The Neuron: size comparison |url = https://www.ualberta.ca/~neuro/OnlineIntro/NeuronExample.htm |work = Neuroscience: A journey through the brain |date = 2002-04-09 |access-date = 2009-06-20}}</ref> |