Dictionary of Biological Psychology
The axon is the process of a NEURON whose function is to conduct action potentials.
Unlike a DENDRITE, a neuron usually has only one axon. Axons can be myelinated (see MYELIN) or unmyelinated, and myelinated axons can conduct action potentials faster than unmyelinated axons due to SALTATORY CONDUCTION which allows action potentials to jump between the NODES OF RANVIER, The axon emerges from either the soma or a PROXIMAL DENDRITE. In humans, the longest axons can approach 1 m in length, as in the cases of MOTOR NEURONS that innervate the foot, or cortical PYRAMIDAL NEURONS that form the CORTICOSPINAL TRACT.
See also: action potential
KAZUE SEMBA
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