Axon Hillock

The axon hillock is a specialized part of a neuron where the axon originates from the cell body. It is a critical region for the initiation of action potentials, which are electrical impulses that allow neurons to communicate with each other.

Structure

The axon hillock is located at the junction between the cell body (soma) and the axon. It contains a high concentration of voltage-gated sodium channels, which are essential for generating action potentials.

Function

The main function of the axon hillock is to integrate the incoming signals from the dendrites and cell body, and to make a decision about whether to generate an action potential. If the combined input signals reach a certain threshold, the axon hillock initiates an action potential that travels down the axon to transmit information to other neurons.

Study Guide

Key Concepts:

• Location and structure of the axon hillock
• Role of voltage-gated sodium channels
• Function of the axon hillock in signal integration and action potential initiation

Study Tips:

• Use diagrams to visualize the location and structure of the axon hillock
• Understand the role of voltage-gated sodium channels in action potential generation
• Practice identifying the function of the axon hillock in signal processing

Sample Questions:

1. Where is the axon hillock located in a neuron?
2. What is the main function of the axon hillock?
3. Explain the role of voltage-gated sodium channels in the axon hillock.