Neuron vs. Axon — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 1, 2024
A neuron is a nerve cell critical for transmitting signals, while an axon is its long fiber that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's body.
Difference Between Neuron and Axon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Neurons are the basic working units of the brain, designed to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells. They consist of a cell body (soma), axons, and dendrites, with each part playing a critical role in the communication process. Axons, on the other hand, are long, slender projections of neurons that carry electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands, serving as the primary transmission lines of the nervous system.
While neurons have a complex structure that includes a cell body, axons, and dendrites, axons are singular in function, focusing solely on transmitting the nerve impulse. Neurons can vary greatly in shape and size, reflecting their diverse functions within the nervous system, whereas axons, though they can vary in length, typically maintain a consistent, thread-like shape designed to optimize the transfer of signals.
The health and function of neurons are vital for the overall operation of the nervous system, with their damage or death leading to various neurological conditions. Axons, while crucial, represent only a part of the neuron's structure and function; damage to an axon can disrupt communication but doesn't necessarily result in the neuron's death.
Neurons communicate with each other through synapses, where the axon terminal of one neuron interacts with the dendrite of another. Axons facilitate this communication by transmitting the electrical signal to the synapse, where it can be converted into a chemical signal to cross the gap between neurons.
In terms of regeneration and repair, neurons have limited ability to regenerate once damaged, making neurological injuries often permanent. Axons, however, especially those in the peripheral nervous system, can regrow under certain conditions, though this process is slow and not always effective in restoring full function.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A nerve cell responsible for transmitting signals
A long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts impulses
Components
Cell body, dendrites, axon
Part of the neuron, no subcomponents
Function
Transmit information throughout the nervous system
Conduct electrical impulses away from the neuron's body
Variability
Varies in shape and size based on function
Length varies, but function and structure are consistent
Repair and Regeneration
Limited ability to regenerate
Can regrow under certain conditions, especially in the peripheral nervous system
Compare with Definitions
Neuron
Capable of transmitting signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
Sensory neurons relay information from sensory receptors directly to the central nervous system.
Axon
Ends in axon terminals that form synapses with other cells.
At the axon terminal, the electrical signal is converted into a chemical signal to cross the synaptic gap.
Neuron
Contains dendrites, a cell body, and an axon.
The neuron's cell body integrates incoming signals, which are then transmitted via the axon.
Axon
A neuron's part specialized in conducting electrical impulses.
The axon carries signals away from the neuron's body to communicate with other neurons.
Neuron
Damage to neurons can lead to neurological disorders.
Degeneration of neurons in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
Axon
Can extend over long distances in the body.
The axons of motor neurons can reach from the spinal cord to the muscles in the feet.
Neuron
A nerve cell integral to the nervous system's functioning.
Neurons in the brain process and transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.
Axon
Regeneration can occur, especially in the peripheral nervous system.
Peripheral axons can regrow after injury, though the process is complex and variable.
Neuron
Varies greatly in shape and size.
Motor neurons, with their long axons, differ markedly from the smaller interneurons in the brain.
Axon
Encased in a myelin sheath for faster impulse transmission.
Myelinated axons transmit nerve signals more rapidly than unmyelinated ones.
Neuron
A neuron or nerve cell is an electrically excitable cell that communicates with other cells via specialized connections called synapses. It is the main component of nervous tissue in all animals except sponges and placozoa.
Axon
An axon (from Greek ἄξων áxōn, axis), or nerve fiber (or nerve fibre: see spelling differences), is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, in vertebrates, that typically conducts electrical impulses known as action potentials away from the nerve cell body. The function of the axon is to transmit information to different neurons, muscles, and glands.
Neuron
Any of the impulse-conducting cells that constitute the brain, spinal column, and nerves in vertebrates, consisting of a nucleated cell body with one or more dendrites and a single axon.
Axon
The long threadlike part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted from the cell body to other cells.
Neuron
A similar impulse-conducting cell in invertebrates.In both senses also callednerve cell.
Axon
The usually long process of a nerve fiber that generally conducts impulses away from the body of the nerve cell.
Neuron
(cytology) A cell of the nervous system, which conducts nerve impulses; consisting of an axon and several dendrites. Neurons are connected by synapses.
Axon
(cytology) A nerve fibre which is a long slender projection of a nerve cell, and which conducts nerve impulses away from the body of the cell to a synapse.
Neuron
(zoology) A nervure of an insect's wing.
Axon
Long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron
Neuron
(artificial intelligence) an artificial neuron mathematical function serving as an essential unit of an artificial neural network
Neuron
The brain and spinal cord; the cerebro-spinal axis; myelencephalon.
Neuron
The characteristic specialized cell that is part of the nervous system, serving to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain, and also between other parts of the body, and composed of a main cell body, the axon, with a varying number of processes of varying length, the dendrites; a nerve cell. The movement and behavior of higher animals depends on the signals tranmsitted by such nerve cells.
Neuron
A cell that is specialized to conduct nerve impulses
Common Curiosities
What happens if a neuron's axon is damaged?
Damage to an axon can disrupt signal transmission, potentially leading to loss of function.
How do neurons and axons work together?
Neurons use axons to transmit electrical signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
What is a neuron?
A neuron is a nerve cell that transmits signals throughout the nervous system.
How do neurons communicate with each other?
Neurons communicate at synapses, where signals are transmitted from the axon of one neuron to the dendrite of another.
What role do neurons play in the brain?
Neurons are responsible for processing and transmitting information, forming the basis of brain function.
Can axons regenerate after injury?
Axons, particularly in the peripheral nervous system, can sometimes regrow after injury, but regeneration is not guaranteed.
What causes neuron damage?
Neuron damage can result from injury, lack of oxygen, disease, or aging.
What is an axon?
An axon is a long projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's body.
Are all axons myelinated?
No, while many axons are myelinated to speed up signal transmission, some are unmyelinated.
How long can an axon be?
Axons can vary greatly in length, with some extending over a meter long in humans.
Can axons function without neurons?
No, axons are integral parts of neurons and cannot function independently.
What is the difference between a motor neuron and a sensory neuron?
Motor neurons transmit signals from the brain or spinal cord to muscles, whereas sensory neurons convey information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
Why is neuron health important?
Healthy neurons are crucial for all aspects of nervous system function, including movement, thought, and sensation.
What are dendrites?
Dendrites are tree-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.
Do neurons reproduce?
Neurons generally do not reproduce or replace themselves, making their damage often permanent.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
