axon reflex

axon reflex

Etymology: Gk, axon, axle

a neuron reflex in which an afferent impulse travels along a nerve fiber away from the cell body until it reaches a branching, where it is diverted to an end organ without entering the cell body. It does not involve a complete reflex arc, and therefore it is not a true reflex.

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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.

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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.