Glossary / Lexicon

Axon refers to a single thin nerve fiber of constant diameter that extends from a neuron; the part of the neuron through which intraneuronal conduction occurs (via the action potential) and at the terminus of which is located the terminal buttons that release neurotransmitters. Moreover, it refers to a long, thin, cyclindrical tube-like structure which is part of a neuron that transmits impulses to other neurons through small branching structures called axon terminals.It is the part of the neuron that conducts nerve impulses over distances. Axon is also called the Nerve fiber.

Description

An axon is a long extension of a nerve cell that carries signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. It is a crucial component of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting electrical impulses at high speeds. Axons are covered by a protective layer called the myelin sheath, which helps to insulate and speed up the transmission of signals. The length of an axon can vary greatly, ranging from a few millimeters to up to a meter in some cases. Axons can form connections with thousands of other neurons, allowing for complex communication within the brain and throughout the body.

Application Areas

• Neurological research
• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Neuropsychology

Treatment and Risks

• Various neurological disorders can affect the functioning of axons, leading to communication disruptions in the brain.
• Treatments for axon-related issues may include medication, therapy, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.
• Risks associated with axons may include demyelination, where the myelin sheath is damaged, affecting signal transmission.

Examples

• In studying the effects of traumatic brain injury, researchers may focus on the damage to axons in specific areas of the brain.
• A neurologist may investigate the role of axons in a patient with multiple sclerosis, where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath.

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Nerve fiber
• Axon terminal
• Neurite

Articles with 'Axon' in the title

• Axon terminal: An Axon terminal (Terminal button) refers to enlarged button-like structures at the ends of Axon branches- the bulb-shaped structures at the ends of axons that form synapses with the dendrites and somas of other neurons
• Afferent axon: Afferent axon is a neuron that brings information into a structure
• Efferent axon: Efferent axon is defined as a neuron that carries information away from a structure

Summary

An axon is a crucial component of the nervous system responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Covered by a myelin sheath, axons facilitate rapid signal transmission and can form connections with thousands of other neurons. In psychology, axons play a significant role in various application areas such as neurological research and clinical psychology. Understanding the function, treatment, and risks associated with axons is essential for addressing neurological disorders and maintaining overall brain health.

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