The axon is the thin continuity of a neuron.
Before entering fully into establishing the meaning of the term axon , we have to proceed to know its etymological origin. In this case, it should be said that it comes from Greek, exactly from the word axon , which can be translated as "axis."
The concept of axon is used in biology to refer to the very thin continuation of a neuron , through which this cell sends nerve impulses to other types of cells.
Axon characteristics
Also called a neurite , the axon arises at the axonal eminence from a dendrite or soma. Appearing as a cone, the axon has a membrane known as the axolemma , while its cytoplasm is called the axoplasm .
Axons are sometimes covered with a myelin sheath . According to the extension of the axon, neurons (which are nerve cells ) are classified in different ways.
Golgi type I neurons have a very extensive axon. In contrast, Golgi type II neurons are characterized by having a shorter axon. In general, the axons of neurons have a length of just a few millimeters.
The axon is also known as a neurite.
Its functions
One of the most important functions of axons is to conduct nerve impulses . Through the synapse (a connection established through neurotransmitters), the axons transmit the potential of an inhibitory or excitatory action , depending on the case. Although they are capable of receiving certain inputs, axons typically develop an output function for nerve impulses.
Axons are also responsible for the transfer of metabolites, enzymes , organelles and other elements. This function is developed via the axoplasm, with the participation of microtubules. Within the axon, transport can be centripetal or centrifugal and develop at different speeds.
terminal axon
In the same way, we cannot ignore the existence of what are known as terminal axons or terminal buttons.
Basically this term is used to refer to the extreme part of the axon. Specifically, the one that is divided with the clear purpose of shaping several terminals that generate a synapse with other glands, muscle cells or neurons.
Other uses of the term
Axon is what is also called a bookstore specialized in Health Sciences that is based in Madrid . It has been in operation since the second half of the 1990s and offers extensive bibliography on areas such as nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, sports sciences or nutrition and dietetics, among others.
Within the field of technology, specifically mobile telephony, we must highlight the existence of several smartphones that use the term in question. Among those are the so-called ZTE Axon Mini or the ZTE Axon 7 . ZTE is the company to which they belong, a brand founded in 1985 that is considered one of the largest telecommunications firms in all of China .