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Related Concept Videos

Neurons: The Axon01:21

Neurons: The Axon

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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.
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Nervous Tissue: Myelin01:25

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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.
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Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue01:15

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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...
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Neuron Structure01:30

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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.
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Action Potentials01:41

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Action Potential01:31

Action Potential

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Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Measuring Properties of the Membrane Periodic Skeleton of the Axon Initial Segment using 3D-Structured Illumination Microscopy 3D-SIM
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Measuring Properties of the Membrane Periodic Skeleton of the Axon Initial Segment using 3D-Structured Illumination Microscopy 3D-SIM

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Axon initial segment structure and function in health and disease.

Paul M Jenkins1, Kevin J Bender2

  • 1Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.

Physiological Reviews
|October 31, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The axon initial segment (AIS) integrates synaptic inputs to generate action potentials (APs). This review covers recent advances in understanding the AIS

Keywords:
ankyrinaxon initial segmentexcitabilityion channelpolarity

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Use of Primary Cultured Hippocampal Neurons to Study the Assembly of Axon Initial Segments
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Last Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Measuring Properties of the Membrane Periodic Skeleton of the Axon Initial Segment using 3D-Structured Illumination Microscopy 3D-SIM
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Morphological and Functional Evaluation of Axons and their Synapses during Axon Death in Drosophila melanogaster
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Computational Biology

Background:

  • Neurons process synaptic inputs into action potentials (APs) at the axon initial segment (AIS).
  • The AIS is a specialized neuronal compartment rich in proteins and organelles, crucial for neuronal function.
  • Its roles in regulating excitability and maintaining neuronal polarity are critical in health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the understanding of the axon initial segment (AIS).
  • To elucidate the AIS's role in neuronal integration and polarity.
  • To discuss the implications of AIS function in both healthy and diseased states.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of experimental and theoretical studies.
  • Synthesis of recent findings on AIS structure and function.
  • Analysis of AIS contribution to neuronal excitability and compartmentalization.

Main Results:

  • The AIS acts as a critical site for action potential initiation.
  • It functions as a gatekeeper, separating somatodendritic and axonal domains.
  • Dynamic regulation of AIS properties influences neuronal excitability and integration.

Conclusions:

  • The AIS is a key regulator of neuronal excitability and integration.
  • Understanding AIS function is vital for comprehending neuronal polarity.
  • Advances in AIS research offer insights into neurological disorders.