AXON HILLOCK Meaning and
Definition
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The axon hillock is a critical anatomical structure found in neurons, which serves as the initial segment or starting point of the axon. It is a conical or triangular-shaped region located between the cell body (soma) and the axon proper, typically towards the end of the soma. Functionally, the axon hillock is responsible for generating and propagating action potentials or electrical impulses along the axon.
The axon hillock plays a crucial role in the transmission of information within the nervous system. It acts as a decision-making center that integrates and evaluates the incoming signals from the dendrites and cell body. If the collective input stimuli surpass a certain threshold, the axon hillock triggers the generation of an action potential, which then travels down the axon to communicate with other neurons or target cells.
Structurally, the axon hillock displays some unique features that enable its specialized function. For instance, it contains a high density of voltage-gated sodium channels, which are responsible for the initiation of action potentials. Additionally, the axon hillock has limited neuron organelles, leading to a higher concentration of proteins and ion channels compared to other regions, facilitating its role as an action potential generator.
In conclusion, the axon hillock is a pivotal structure in neurons that functions as the starting point of the axon and is responsible for initiating action potentials. It integrates incoming signals from the dendrites and cell body to determine whether an action potential should be generated and propagated along the axon, contributing to the transmission of information in the nervous system.
Common Misspellings for AXON HILLOCK
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- axon gillock
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Etymology of AXON HILLOCK
The word "axon" comes from the Greek word "axōn", which means "axis" or "axle". In neurology, an axon refers to the long, slender projection of a neuron that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body.
The term "hillock" originates from the Old English word "hyll", meaning "hill". In the context of the nervous system, a hillock refers to a small elevation or swelling on the neuron.
Thus, the phrase "axon hillock" combines both terms to describe the junction where the axon originates from the cell body. It represents the cone-shaped region of a neuron where the electrical signals are generated before they propagate along the axon.
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