Axons

An axon is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body or soma. Axons are essential for the transmission of information within the nervous system.

Structure of an Axon

The structure of an axon includes:

• Axon hillock: The region where the axon originates from the cell body.
• Myelin sheath: A fatty covering that insulates and protects the axon, helping to speed up the transmission of electrical impulses.
• Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath where the axon is exposed, allowing for the efficient propagation of the electrical signal.
• Axon terminals: The end of the axon where it forms synapses with other neurons or target cells.

Function of Axons

Axons transmit electrical impulses, known as action potentials, from the cell body to the axon terminals. These impulses are crucial for communication between neurons and for signaling throughout the nervous system.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about axons:

1. What is the function of an axon?
2. Describe the structure of an axon, including the axon hillock, myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier, and axon terminals.
3. Explain how the myelin sheath and nodes of Ranvier contribute to the function of an axon.
4. What is the role of axon terminals in neuronal communication?
5. Discuss the importance of axons in the nervous system.

Understanding the structure and function of axons is essential for grasping the fundamentals of how the nervous system operates and how information is transmitted within the body.

[Axons] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• The nervous systemScience • Eighth Grade