Axon
Signal transported down this, a major extension from the soma
The axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that extends from the cell body or soma. It is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses known as action potentials to other neurons or target cells. The axon is wrapped in a myelin sheath, which acts as an insulator to enhance the speed of transmission of the electrical impulses. Axons vary in length; some can be very short, while others can extend several feet. The end of the axon branches out into many smaller terminals, which connect with other neurons or target cells to form synapses.
Axons are critical for the proper function of the nervous system, and any damage to them can result in a range of neurological disorders. For example, demyelination, or the loss of the myelin sheath, can occur in disorders such as multiple sclerosis, which can lead to impairments in sensation, movement, and cognitive function. Additionally, axonal injuries or degeneration can occur in various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, resulting in severe disability and loss of function.
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