The Transmission Cable of Neurons
Axons are thin fibers that enable communications betweenneurons(nerve cells).
The function of axons is to transmit information in the form of electrical impulses between neurons.
From the broadest perspective, axons act like transmission cables.
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The article looks at the structure, function, and types of axons in the body’snervous system.
It also describes conditions that can damage axons and lead to nerve dysfunction.
They come in different sizes and lengths.
Some axons are as long as one meter, while others are less than one millimeter.
Myelinated axons service theperipheral nervous system.
Nerve impulses move faster with myelinated axons, enabling rapid and intricate variations in movement.
Unmyelinated axons service theautonomic nervous system.
Nerve impulses move slower with unmyelinated axons, enabling steady, consistent movement with less variation.
Each neuron has an axon that directly connects it with another neuron.
These are what neurons use to communicate with each other.
It also involves the movement of electrically charged particles called ions across the neuron’s membrane.
At the same time, the previous segment returns to its resting potential.
At the axon terminal, neurotransmitters stored within the axon terminal are released.
Different neurotransmitters deliver different chemical messages.
Axons vs. Dendrites
Dendrites are small branched extensions from a neuron that are similar to axons.
Dendrites differ in they receive nerve impulses from other neurons and deliver the signals to the cell body.
Axons carry nerve impulses from the cell body to other neurons.
Dendrites also differ in that one neuron can many have many dendrites.
In most cases, there is only one axon per neuron.
Causes of Axons Injury
Axons can be damaged directly and indirectly.
When this happens, certain physiological or neurological functions can be impaired, either temporarily or permanently.
The impairment may be localized to one part of the body or involve the body as a whole.
When the brain is affected, a coma and other neurological problems can occur.
Axonal Degeneration
Age can cause axons to gradually deteriorate.
The loss of myelin is referred to asdemyelination.
Neurons communicate via electrical impulses that trigger the release of “chemical messengers” called neurotransmitters.
Axons also transmit electrical impulses from muscle and gland cells to the brain.
Axons can be damaged by trauma, inflammation, infection, or reduced blood flow to the brain.
2013;74(6):451-457. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.03.003
Society for Neuroscience.Sending the right signals.
