Axon and Dendrite of Neurons

Axons and Signal Transport

Axon, interposed between the cell body (soma) and synaptic terminals, is the elongated structure of the neuron. It contains several typical structures:

Functionally, the axon carries and transport electrical impulses and stimulates action potentials away from the neuronal cell body. Axonal transport delivers a wide range of proteins and specialized structures up and down axons. By distribution of vesicles, organelles and signaling molecules along the axon, it controls polarization, axon elongation, and synapse function.

Dendrite and Signal Transport

Dendrites are characterized by branched protoplasmic extensions that radiate from the soma in various directions, and are responsible for integrating and transmitting the electrochemical stimulation received from other neurons to the soma. Typically, dendrites are tree-like extensions of the neuron, which is shown to increase the surface area of the cell body.

• Tree-like structure, which has a profound impact on the receiving and processing of neuronal information. One single neuron may have more than one set of dendrites, and may receive thousands of neuronal signals.
• Length varies depending on the neuron types. For example, the CNS have very long and complex dendrites to receive intricate signals.
• Dendrite receives chemical signals from other neurons, and then converts them into electrical impulses to transport to the cell body.

Fig.2 Typical structure of neurons.

Different Characteristics of Axons & Dendrites

Each component of the neuron plays an important role in the reception, processing and transmission of the signals. Axons and dendrites work together to complete signal transduction, but there are some structural and functional differences.

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