Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Three-dimensional Imaging and Analysis of Mitochondria within Human Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers
Published on: September 29, 2017
Non-electrical functions of neurons
1Laboratory for the Functional Morphology and Physiology of Neurons, I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg.
Abstract:
Classical histological preparations of metasympathetic nervous system impregnated with silver salts were compared with the dynamics of the development of plexuses in cultures of isolated neurons and electron microscopic studies to investigate the non-electrical properties of neurons. Two modes of neurite contraction were demonstrated, along with a means of translocation of the neuron soma within neurites, and formation of tail processes and autotomy. It is hypothesized that nerve receptor endings have tissue trophic effects, with autoamputation of terminals with subsequent activation of their lysosomal proteases, which appear to be growth factors for surrounding tissues. The morphogenetic functions of neurocytes are analyzed and evidence is presented for the occurrence of constant reconstruction of previously formed plexuses in healthy adult animals.
Related Concept Videos
Neuronal Communication
Neuron Structure
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
Neuron Structure
Synaptic Signaling
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Synaptic Signaling
Electrical Synapses
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...

