What Makes Up a Neuron?

Neurons

Whether you are interested in neuron research, a neuron in the brain or a neuron in the nervous system, you have come to the right place. In this article you will find information on the different types of neurons and the various structures that make up a neuron.

Axon

Several factors are required to initiate axon growth. These include cycling filaments in the growth cone, connections to the growth substrate, and building blocks. In addition, axons must be myelinated to increase the diameter of the axon. Some of these factors can be added to the axon while others can only be added to the cell body.

Actin-binding proteins have been found to play important roles in modulating axon growth. They coordinate with other proteins to induce axon growth. In addition, actin-binding proteins can also suppress retrograde actin flow. Inhibiting rhoA effector kinase causes an increase in axon initiation and elongation.

Multiple-axon neurons have been shown to have a lower Nav signal length than single-axon neurons. The density of Nav channels was also lower in multiple-axon neurons. However, the average fluorescence intensity of somatic Nav channels was not different between single-axon neurons and multiple-axon neurons.

Dendrites

During neuronal communication, information is transferred from one neuron to the next by dendrites. A dendrite is a projection of a neuron and receives information from pre-synaptic neurons. Dendrites secrete neurotransmitters and enable movement. They receive signals from other neurons and send information to the soma of the neuron.

Typical dendrites of interneuron neurons are sublinear. They have a smaller volume and high input resistance. This is in contrast to the higher volume and low resistance of supralinear dendrites.

Dendrites are formed by a branching process. As the dendrite moves towards the tip, it branches. The branches come in various shapes, such as a leaf-like structure, called a spine. The spines are immature, but grow as the synapse gets stronger. 85% of mushroom dendritic spines have at least one spinule.

Soma

Among the many organelles in the neuron, the soma is probably the most important. The soma contains the cell nucleus, as well as many mitochondria. It is also the place where molecules are shuttled to and from the axonal terminal to maintain the normal functions of the neuron.

Somata can be divided into two major groups. The first is globoid neurons. These are neurons with very thin dendrites. They can also have pyramidal somata. Their main dendrites extend to the interior crossing of the granular layer.

Another group is sarmentous neurons. These neurons have a train of action potentials. They also have thick dendritic trunks. These neurons give rise to collaterals. They are very common in diaphorase preparations. They are also frequently observed in Nissl stainings. However, the population of these neurons changes between different ages.

Electrical synapses

Physiologically speaking, electrical synapses are gaps in the membranes of communicating neurons. These gap junctions are aligned channels that allow the movement of ions, molecules and second messengers. They also allow for the diffusion of metabolically significant molecules.

Gap junctions are formed between communicating neurons through an intercellular specialization called the “synaptic cleft” or the “gap junction.” The cleft is a bridge that connects the presynaptic density of a neuron and the postsynaptic density of another neuron. The cleft consists of a matrix of fuzzy material and a pore that allows signaling molecules to pass directly from one cell to another.

Electrical synapses in neurons are a bidirectional low-resistance pathway for the transmission of ions, spikelets and action potentials. They are a crucial component for a number of important adult nervous system functions.

Non-spiking neurons

Among the many types of neurons in the brain, non-spiking neurons are special. They are not able to transmit action potentials, but they can integrate input from other neurons. Non-spiking neurons are usually located in the central or peripheral nervous system. They function as intermediary relays between sensory-motor neurons.

The most basic neuron has a single, long axon, and receives input at a dendritic tree. Dendrites then form dendro-dendritic connections. Non-spiking neurons do not transmit action potentials, but they can convey infinitesimal membrane voltages.

Non-spiking neurons are important in visual processing, and can function as analogue integrators. They can also modulate the responses of motor neuron networks. They may also play a role in learning. Non-spiking neurons are not rare.

A number of researchers have studied non-spiking neurons, including those in the retina amacrine cell. These models were developed from information derived from animal models.