What is the primary function of an axon?

The primary function of an axon is to send signals from the neuron to the next cell. Axons are long, threadlike structures that emerge from the cell body of a neuron and transmit electrical impulses, known as action potentials, away from the neuron. This transmission is essential for communication between neurons and allows for the propagation of signals throughout the nervous system.

When an electrical signal travels down the axon, it reaches the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft. This release enables communication with other neurons, muscle cells, or gland cells. Thus, the main role of the axon is to ensure that information from the neuron is effectively communicated to target cells, facilitating the functioning of neural circuits within the body.

Other functions associated with the nervous system, such as collecting signals or synthesizing neurotransmitters, are carried out by different parts of the neuron or involve various other types of cells and processes. For instance, dendrites collect signals from sensory neurons, and neurotransmitter synthesis takes place in the neuron’s cell body. Meanwhile, processing information within the central nervous system primarily involves interneurons and complex neural networks beyond the axonal function.