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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....

Action Potentials

Action Potentials

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Deciphering Axonal Pathways of Genetically Defined Groups of Neurons in the Chick Neural Tube Utilizing in ovo Electroporation

Deciphering Axonal Pathways of Genetically Defined Groups of Neurons in the Chick Neural Tube Utilizing in ovo Electroporation

Published on: May 2, 2010

Mechanistic advances in axon pathfinding.

Laura E McCormick¹, Stephanie L Gupton²

¹UNC Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology

|January 14, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Axon pathfinding relies on chemical cues guiding the growth cone. Recent research highlights new pathways involved in this crucial nervous system development process.

Keywords:

Cytoskeleton Dendritic spines Growth cone Guidance cues Mechanotransduction Membrane trafficking Post-translational modification

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Last Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Deciphering Axonal Pathways of Genetically Defined Groups of Neurons in the Chick Neural Tube Utilizing in ovo Electroporation

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Visualization of Motor Axon Navigation and Quantification of Axon Arborization In Mouse Embryos Using Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy

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Published on: May 11, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Cell Biology

Background:

Establishing neural connections is vital for a functional nervous system.
Axonal pathfinding involves navigating the extracellular environment towards target cells.
The growth cone at the axon tip is guided by extracellular chemical signals.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in understanding axon pathfinding mechanisms.
To highlight newly identified pathways influencing growth cone behavior.

Main Methods:

Literature review of research published in the last two years.
Focus on studies investigating molecular guidance cues and receptors.
Analysis of pathways affecting growth cone dynamics (extension, turning, branching).

Main Results:

Numerous guidance cues and receptors have been identified.
These molecules regulate diverse growth cone behaviors.
Recent work has uncovered novel pathways implicated in axon navigation.

Conclusions:

Chemical cues are essential for accurate axon pathfinding.
Ongoing research continues to elucidate complex molecular mechanisms.
Understanding these pathways is key to addressing neurological development disorders.