Dendrites

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Dendrites

Dendrites (/ˈdɛndraɪts/), from the Greek word dendron meaning tree, are the branched projections of a neuron that act to propagate the electrochemical stimulation received from other neural cells to the cell body, or soma, of the neuron from which the dendrites project.

Etymology

The term dendrite comes from the Ancient Greek word déndron (δένδρον), which means "tree". This is due to the tree-like structure of dendrites when observed under a microscope.

Function

Dendrites are one of the two types of protoplasmic protrusions that extrude from the cell body of a neuron, the other type being an axon. Dendrites receive signals from the axons of other neurons and carry these signals to the cell body. The signals are then processed and may be sent along the axon of the neuron to other neurons.

Structure

Dendrites are typically shorter than axons and are more branched. They are also more numerous than axons and, unlike axons, can contain ribosomes. The structure of dendrites allows them to receive a wide range of inputs from other neurons.

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