What is an Axon?

An axon is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell or neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. It is a crucial component of the nervous system, allowing for the transmission of signals throughout the body.

Structure of an Axon

Each axon is covered by a fatty insulating substance called myelin, which is made up of specialized cells called Schwann cells. The myelin sheath acts as an insulator and allows for faster transmission of electrical impulses along the axon. The gaps in the myelin sheath are known as Nodes of Ranvier, and they play a role in enhancing the speed of signal conduction.

Function of an Axon

The primary function of an axon is to transmit electrical impulses, known as action potentials, from the cell body to the axon terminals. These impulses travel along the axon, triggering the release of neurotransmitters at the axon terminals, which then communicate with other neurons or target cells, such as muscles or glands.

Study Guide for Axon:

What is the function of an axon?
Describe the structure of the myelin sheath and its role in signal conduction.
Explain the significance of Nodes of Ranvier in the transmission of electrical impulses.
Discuss the relationship between axons and neurotransmitters in signal transmission.
Compare and contrast the functions of axons and dendrites in a neuron.

◂Earth Science Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Fossils II

The resources above cover the following skills:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE (NGSS)

Earth’s Place in the Universe

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.

Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth’s formation and early history.

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE (NGSS)

Earth’s Place in the Universe

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.

Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth’s formation and early history.

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE (NGSS)

Earth’s Place in the Universe

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.

Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth’s formation and early history.

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE (NGSS)

Earth’s Place in the Universe

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.

Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth’s formation and early history.