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axon |
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axon /ax·on/ (ak´son) 1. that process of a neuron by which impulses travel away from the cell body; at the terminal arborization of the axon, the impulses are transmitted to other nerve cells or to effector organs. Larger axons are covered by a myelin sheath.ax´onal 2. vertebral column.
Axon A process of a neuron that conducts impulses away from the cell body. Axons are usually long and straight. Mentioned in: Charcot Marie Tooth Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy, Phenylketonuria, Sensory Integration Disorder
axon [ak′son] Etymology: Gk, axle an extension, usually long and slender, of a neuron capable of conducting action potentials or self-propagating nervous impulses. Axons can conduct impulses over great distances away from the cell body. Only ends of axons (terminals) can release neurotransmitters and stimulate other neurons/effectors. Also called axone [ak′-sōn] , axis cylinder. Compare dendrite. See also action potential, neurotransmitter. axon (ak´son), n an extension of a nerve cell body that conducts impulses away from the cell. Generally there is only one axon to a cell.
axon the process of a nerve cell along which impulses travel away from the cell body. It branches at its termination, forming synapses at other nerve cells or effector organs. Many axons are covered by a myelin sheath formed from the cell membrane of a glial or Schwann cell. axon hillock the elevation on the perikaryon from which the axon emerges. axon reflex a nerve impulse conducted through nerve pathways limited to the single axon, without the participation of a nerve cell or synapse. Not a true reflex. axon telodendrion extensive terminal branches of the axon before terminating on the effector organ. axon terminals
the axonal structure capable of forming a synapse with another axon. axon How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Myelin is stripped, axons (nerve fibers) have broken, and entire nerve cells have died. While experimenting on optic nerves in rats, Larry Benowitz of Children's Hospital in Boston and his colleagues discovered by accident that scratching or poking the lens in an animal's eye could prompt damaged neurons to regrow axons farther toward the brain than researchers had ever seen. Stem cells known as normal human neural progenitor (NHNP) cells develop into three types of brain cells: neurons, which receive and transmit electrical signals via axons and synapses; astrocytes, which manage neurons' surrounding environment; and oligodendrocytes, which produce myelin, the fatty sheath that insulates axons. |
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