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The Structure of a Neuron: The Axon

Neuron Home    Size    Structure    Action Potentials    Classification

Structure sub categories: Axon    Boutons    Dendrites    Hillock    Myelin    Soma

The axon of the neuron conducts electrical signals. Two features distinguish it from the soma:
1. No RER extends into the axon and there are few, if any, ribosomes. These means that no protein synthesis occurs in the axon.
2. The protein composition of the axon is fundamentally different from that of the soma membrane. The properties of the axonal membrane allow it to convey electrical signals.

Length

Axons may extend anywhere from less than a millimeter to over a meter long.  Axons that originate in and travel away from a particular neuron are termed efferents. Axons that travel towards and provide input to a particular neuron are termed afferents. Axons may often branch along their path, and these branches are termed axon collaterals.

Diameter

Axons range in diameter from less than 1 micrometer to 25 micrometers in humans, and can be as large as 1 millimeter in the squid. Variation in axon size is important because the speed of conduction along an axon is partially dependant on the size of the axon. Generally, the fatter the axon, the faster a nerve impulse travels. Read more about nerve impulses in the Action Potential section.

Created and Maintained by: Melissa Davies
Last Updated: April 09, 2002 08:55 PM