Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Neurons: The Cell Body and the Dendrites01:23

Neurons: The Cell Body and the Dendrites

13.5K
A typical nerve cell comprises three main components: the cell body, dendrites, and the axon. The cell body, also known as the soma or perikaryon, serves as the central biosynthetic hub housing a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm containing organelles commonly found in most cells. Notably, Nissl bodies, clusters of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes responsible for protein synthesis, are distinctive features of the neuronal cell body. As neurons age, aggregates of a brown pigment...
13.5K
The Neuromuscular Junction01:19

The Neuromuscular Junction

24.3K
The nervous system consists of complex motor neuron circuits, including upper motor neurons originating from the cerebral cortex and lower motor neurons starting in the spinal cord, coordinating both voluntary and involuntary movements. Among these, somatic motor neurons activate skeletal muscles and are classified into alpha, beta, and gamma types. Alpha neurons are vital for voluntary movement coordination, while gamma neurons adjust muscle spindle sensitivity, and the function of beta...
24.3K
Nervous Tissue: Neuron Types01:19

Nervous Tissue: Neuron Types

8.6K
Neurons, the fundamental units of the nervous system, can be classified based on both their structural and functional characteristics.
Structurally, neurons are categorized into three main types: multipolar, bipolar, and unipolar (or pseudounipolar). Multipolar neurons, which are the most common type in the brain and spinal cord, as well as all motor neurons, possess multiple dendrites and a single axon.
Bipolar neurons, on the other hand, have one primary dendrite and one axon. They are...
8.6K
Brainstem01:19

Brainstem

8.5K
The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
8.5K
Neurons as Communicators of the Brain01:22

Neurons as Communicators of the Brain

5.4K
Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, function as the primary transmitters of information throughout the body. Their ability to communicate through electrical and chemical signals is vital for every bodily function, from regulating the heartbeat to processing complex thoughts. Each neuron has three main components: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon, each specialized to facilitate swift and efficient neural communication.
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...
5.4K
Neuron Structure01:30

Neuron Structure

22.3K
Neurons are the main type of cell in the nervous system that generate and transmit electrochemical signals. They primarily communicate with each other using neurotransmitters at specific junctions called synapses. Neurons come in many shapes that often relate to their function, but most share three main structures: an axon and dendrites that extend out from a cell body.
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to...
22.3K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Through-Knee Amputation Following Total Knee Arthroplasty With Retention of Femoral Component: A Case Report.

Case reports in orthopedics·2026
Same author

Orthoplastic management of delayed sternal osteomyelitis and non-union: a retrospective case series applying fracture-related infection principles.

International orthopaedics·2026
Same author

Suprapatellar versus infrapatellar tibial nailing: the ongoing debate.

European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie·2026
Same author

The Drosophila escape motor circuit shows differential vulnerability to aging linked to functional decay.

PLoS biology·2025
Same author

Sexual function and pregnancy outcomes after periacetabular osteotomy: a systematic review.

Journal of hip preservation surgery·2025
Same author

Specific presynaptic functions require distinct <i>Drosophila</i> Ca<sub>v</sub>2 splice isoforms.

eLife·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Subcellular Patch-clamp Recordings from the Somatodendritic Domain of Nigral Dopamine Neurons
09:17

Subcellular Patch-clamp Recordings from the Somatodendritic Domain of Nigral Dopamine Neurons

Published on: November 2, 2016

15.6K

Dendrites are dispensable for basic motoneuron function but essential for fine tuning of behavior.

Stefanie Ryglewski1, Dimitrios Kadas1, Katie Hutchinson1

  • 1Institute of Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|December 3, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Dendrites are essential for complex behaviors, not basic neuronal function. Structural defects in dendrites impair sophisticated motor skills, impacting survival and mating.

Keywords:
Drosophilacourtshipdendritemotor behaviorsynapse

More Related Videos

Morphological Analysis of Drosophila Larval Peripheral Sensory Neuron Dendrites and Axons Using Genetic Mosaics
09:42

Morphological Analysis of Drosophila Larval Peripheral Sensory Neuron Dendrites and Axons Using Genetic Mosaics

Published on: November 7, 2011

15.9K
Spinal Cord Electrophysiology
04:59

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

Published on: January 18, 2010

22.4K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Subcellular Patch-clamp Recordings from the Somatodendritic Domain of Nigral Dopamine Neurons
09:17

Subcellular Patch-clamp Recordings from the Somatodendritic Domain of Nigral Dopamine Neurons

Published on: November 2, 2016

15.6K
Morphological Analysis of Drosophila Larval Peripheral Sensory Neuron Dendrites and Axons Using Genetic Mosaics
09:42

Morphological Analysis of Drosophila Larval Peripheral Sensory Neuron Dendrites and Axons Using Genetic Mosaics

Published on: November 7, 2011

15.9K
Spinal Cord Electrophysiology
04:59

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

Published on: January 18, 2010

22.4K

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Dendrites are crucial for neuronal structure and function, receiving synaptic input.
  • Dendritic defects are linked to neurological disorders, but their precise impact is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of dendrites in neuronal function and behavior.
  • To determine the consequences of dendritic structure defects on motor performance.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized genetic tools in Drosophila to selectively remove dendrites in wing motoneurons.
  • Assessed synaptic targeting, neuronal activity, and behavioral performance.

Main Results:

  • Dendrites were dispensable for basic neuronal functions like synaptic targeting and normal activity patterns.
  • Sophisticated motor behaviors, including flight control and courtship song, showed performance deficits that scaled with dendritic defects.

Conclusions:

  • Complex dendritic architecture is critical for fine-tuning and adaptability in essential behaviors.
  • Dendritic defects may underlie progressive neurological disorders and intellectual disability.