Growth cone

Growth Cone

Growth cone (/ɡroʊθ koʊn/) is a dynamic, actin-supported extension of a developing or regenerating neurite seeking its synaptic target. Its main function is to explore the environment to guide the axon to its target location.

Etymology

The term "growth cone" was first coined by Spanish neuroscientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal in the early 20th century. The term is derived from the cone-like shape of the structure and its role in the growth and development of neurons.

Structure

The growth cone has a complex structure with three main components: the central domain, the peripheral domain, and the transition zone. The central domain is rich in microtubules and contains the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The peripheral domain is rich in actin filaments and is the site of active protrusion and retraction. The transition zone is the region between the central and peripheral domains and is the site of actin-microtubule interactions.

Function

The growth cone guides the growing neurite towards its target by sensing and responding to various guidance cues in its environment. These cues can be attractive or repulsive and can be either diffusible or bound to the cell surface or extracellular matrix. The growth cone responds to these cues by altering its direction of growth, a process known as axon guidance.

Related Terms

• Neurite
• Axon
• Axon guidance
• Neuron
• Neurogenesis
• Neuroplasticity

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Growth cone
• Wikipedia's article - Growth cone

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