Axons and the role as shock absorbers

Relevance: Prelims: Science

Why in news?

• Scientists from Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology have found out that spectrin, which are flexible rod-shaped molecules present in axons, act as ‘shock absorbers’ to protect axons from stretch-induced damage.

About:

Scientists from Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous ...

• The study can help in understanding and treatment of concussion from head injuries as well as stretch-induced nerve injuries.

• Axons are long tubular extensions of nerve cells that transmit electrical signals across long distances and can be up to a meter long in the case of humans.

• At such lengths, they are subjected to large stretch deformations during limb or other bodily movements. Axons in the brain too undergo significant deformations, even during normal activities like jumping.

Axons vs Dendrite:

Major Differences: Difference between Axon and Dendrites

• An axon is one of two types of cytoplasmic protrusions from the cell body of a neuron; the other type is a dendrite.

• Axons are distinguished from dendrites by several features, including

• shape (dendrites often taper while axons usually maintain a constant radius),

• length (dendrites are restricted to a small region around the cell body while axons can be much longer), and

• function (dendrites receive signals whereas axons transmit them).

What are the differences between axons and dendrites? - Brainly.in

 

For more such notes, Articles, News & Views Join our Telegram Channel.

https://t.me/triumphias

Click the link below to see the details about the UPSC –Civils courses offered by Triumph IAS. https://triumphias.com/pages-all-courses.php

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *