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Neurons: The Axon

Neurons: The Axon

Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.

Nervous Tissue: Myelin

Nervous Tissue: Myelin

The myelin sheath is a multilayered lipid and protein covering that insulates the axon of a neuron, enhancing the speed of nerve impulse conduction. Axons without this sheath are referred to as unmyelinated. Two types of neuroglia, Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) are responsible for producing myelin sheaths.
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...

Glial Cells

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Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

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In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...

The Synapse

The Synapse

Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR

Published on: February 6, 2026

Glia to axon RNA transfer.

José Roberto Sotelo¹, Lucía Canclini, Alejandra Kun

¹Department of Proteins and Nucleic Acids, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Developmental Neurobiology

|September 3, 2013

Summary

Glial cells may supply axons with RNA, supplementing the neuron

Keywords:

RNA cell-to-cell transfer axon, Schwann cell axonal protein synthesis myosin Va ribosomes

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR

Published on: February 6, 2026

Study Glial Cell Heterogeneity Influence on Axon Growth Using a New Coculture Method

Study Glial Cell Heterogeneity Influence on Axon Growth Using a New Coculture Method

Published on: September 6, 2010

Detection of Axonally Localized mRNAs in Brain Sections Using High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization

Detection of Axonally Localized mRNAs in Brain Sections Using High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization

Published on: June 17, 2015

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

The presence of RNA and ribosomes within axons has been debated for decades.
While the neuronal soma is the primary source of axonal RNA, the role of glial cells remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

To review existing literature on the origin of axonal RNAs and ribosomes.
To explore the potential contribution of glial cells as a source of axonal RNA.

Main Methods:

Review of published studies on glial-to-axon RNA transfer.
Examination of evidence in both invertebrate and vertebrate model systems.

Main Results:

Transfer of ribosomes from Schwann cells to axons is conclusively demonstrated.
Evidence for messenger RNA (mRNA) transfer from glia to axons is still developing but considered likely.

Conclusions:

Glial cells represent a potential supplemental source of axonal RNA.
Glial-axon RNA transfer has significant implications for understanding axonal function in health and disease, potentially offering new avenues for clinical intervention in neurodegenerative conditions and injuries.