Axon

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Structure of a typical neuron
Axon
An axon or nerve fiber is one of the three primary parts of a neuron. The word comes from the Greek άξονα "axona", meaning "line" or "axis". It is an extension that grows away from the soma or cell body and is used to propagate an electrical impulse from one neuron to another as a means of communication. Axons are often bundled together in groups called nerves. These nerves are the transmission lines that move information through the body. The axon has several major anatomical parts: the Axon hillock, the Axon initial segment, the myelinated portions, and the unmyelinated portions referred to as the Node of Ranvier.

References

  • Martin, JH (2003). Neuroanatomy text and atlas 3rd ed., New York: McGraw-Hill.
  • Kandel, ER; Schwartz JH, Jessell TM (2000). Principles of Neural Science, 4th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-8385-7701-6.