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Axon

Definition

An axon is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell (neuron) that carries electrical impulses away from the neuron's main body (soma). It acts like a communication line, sending signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Axons are crucial for transmitting information throughout the nervous system.

Example

Imagine you touch a hot stove. Sensory neurons in your finger detect the heat and send this information through their axons to your spinal cord and brain. Your brain then sends a signal back through motor neuron axons to move your hand away quickly, preventing injury.

Why it Matters

Axons are essential for rapid communication within the nervous system. They enable us to react, think, and move efficiently. Damage or dysfunction in axons can lead to impaired responses, such as poor coordination or paralysis, highlighting their critical role in our daily functioning.


See Also