Axon Terminals
Axon divides into small branches at its termination. These terminal branches are called Axon Terminals. Neurons are attached to each other in complex junctions and they send impulses through one another via these junctions known as Synapses. Axon terminals form Presynaptic part of this junction.
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Spinal Cord Temporal Lobe SacralThoracic Axon Axon TerminalsDendrite Myelin Sheath Nucleus Pulposus Gray Matter
Spinal Nerve White Matter Corpus CallosumFrontal LobeHypothalamus Occipital Lobe Parietal Lobe Thalamus Cervical Vertebrae Brain Neuron
Axon Terminals
STRUCTURE AND LOCATION
- Axon Terminals are terminations of axon. Hence they are not Myelinated usually.
- Axon Terminals are finely branched and connect to next Neuron’s Dendrites through Synapse. They don’t touch each other directly and there’s a gap between them called Synaptic Cleft.
- Axon Terminals are modified for Neurotransmitter storage and release. Neurotransmitters are substances used for transmission of nerve impulse across a Synapse as described later.
FUNCTION
When a nerve impulse travels down the axon Calcium ion channels are activated at its terminal. Calcium ions then trigger the fusion of previously stored Neurotransmitter vesicles in Axon Terminals. These vesicles fuse with the membrane of Axon Terminal and release their substance (Neurotransmitter) into the Synaptic Cleft. Neurotransmitter attaches to receptors on the Postsynaptic part present on dendrites of next neuron. It generates action potential and thus a new nerve impulse.
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