Axon

/ˈæksɒn/

/ˈækˌsɑn/

Axon

a long, slender projection of a nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body towards other neurons or target cells

synonyms : axone

What is an "axon"?

An axon is a long, thin, and cylindrical extension of a neuron that transmits electrical signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. It is a crucial part of the nervous system and is fundamental to communication between neurons. The axon is covered in a protective layer of myelin, which helps to increase the speed and efficiency of signal transmission. In some cases, axons can range in length from a few millimeters to over a meter. At the end of the axon are small branches called axon terminals that form synapses with other neurons or target cells, allowing for the transmission of signals across the synapse. The complex network of axons and synapses is essential for learning, memory, perception, and other cognitive processes in the brain.

Examples

1. Which part of the brain sends axons to this part of the brain?

2. What strings together on these minicolumns are axons.

3. Meanwhile, axons with larger diameters offer less internal resistance.

4. The axon can actually stretch several feet.