Neuropil
Neuropil (pronunciation: new-roh-pill) is a dense network of interwoven nerve fibers and their branches and synapses, together with glial filaments. The term is derived from the Greek words neuro meaning nerve and pilos meaning felt or wool.
Etymology
The term Neuropil was first used in the late 19th century and is derived from the Greek neuro meaning nerve and pilos meaning felt or wool. It was used to describe the complex, felt-like network of axonal, dendritic and glial arborizations.
Structure
The neuronal components of a neuropil are mostly unmyelinated axons, dendrites and glial cell processes. The neuropil occupies the space between the cell bodies of the neurons in the grey matter of the brain and spinal cord.
Function
The function of the neuropil is to allow for the transmission of information through synapses. This is where the majority of input to and output from neurons occurs. The neuropil allows for the complex interconnections between neurons that enable the brain to process and transmit information.
Related Terms
- Neuron: The basic working unit of the brain, a specialized cell designed to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells.
- Synapse: The junction between two neurons or a neuron and a muscle where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted.
- Glial Cells: Non-neuronal cells in the brain and spinal cord that support and protect neurons.
- Axon: A long, slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.
- Dendrite: The branched projections of a neuron that act to conduct the electrical stimulation received from other neural cells to the cell body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neuropil
- Wikipedia's article - Neuropil
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