dendrite
Nerve cell extension
A dendrite is a branching projection from a nerve cell that receives signals from other neurons.
The word comes from a Greek root meaning tree, and the shape resembles branches spreading from a trunk.
In geology, dendrites are tree-like mineral formations that appear on rock surfaces, often mistaken for fossils.
The neuron's dendrites were clearly visible under the microscope.
Neuron's signal-sending projection
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
- somaBodily cells, excluding gametes
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
spine · myelin · glia · action potential · presynaptic · arbor · branching · terminal
Splitting into separate directions
- arborGarden trellis structure
- ramificationSecondary consequence of action
- bifurcationDivision into two branches
- fractalShape repeating at every scale
pattern · extension · spine · shaft · segment · tuft · apical · basal
Ordered-atom solid
- manganeseTransition metal, element 25
- oreMetal-bearing rock
- specimenIndividual for examination
- formationCreation or arrangement
branching · metallic · luster · geology · mineralogy · aggregate · vein · oxidation
Loss of electrical gradient
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
- voltageElectrical potential difference
- currentDirected flow of charge
- ionCharged atom or molecule
sodium · potassium · calcium · impulse · transmission · excitation · inhibition · threshold
Seeds beginning growth
- elongationIncrease in length
- branchingSplitting into separate directions
- plasticityAbility to change shape
- pruningCutting vegetation for health
maturation · development · morphogenesis · BDNF · guidance · connectivity · remodeling · outgrowth
axon
Neuron's signal-sending projection
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
- somaBodily cells, excluding gametes
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
receptor · spine · myelin · glia · action potential · presynaptic · arbor · branching · terminal · membrane
branching
Splitting into separate directions
- arborGarden trellis structure
- ramificationSecondary consequence of action
- bifurcationDivision into two branches
fractal · pattern · extension · spine · shaft · segment · tuft · apical · basal · distal
crystal
Ordered-atom solid
formation · branching · metallic · luster · geology · mineralogy · aggregate · vein · oxidation · black
depolarization
Loss of electrical gradient
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
- voltageElectrical potential difference
- currentDirected flow of charge
ion · sodium · potassium · calcium · impulse · transmission · excitation · inhibition · threshold · neurotransmission
sprouting
Seeds beginning growth
- elongationIncrease in length
- branchingSplitting into separate directions
- plasticityAbility to change shape
pruning · maturation · development · morphogenesis · BDNF · guidance · connectivity · remodeling · outgrowth · differentiation
- cell projectionscilia, cilium, flagella, flagellum, pseudopod
- body partsarm, leg, hand, back, chest
- braincerebrum, cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus
- branchingbranching, tree root, antler, antlers, twig
- branchesbough, limb, twig, sprig, shoot
- brain sciencebrain scan, brain research, brain map, brain imaging, brain chemistry