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Axon

The axon is a long, slender projection of the neuron. It conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body [soma] to the presynaptic terminals, where the signals are transmitted to other neurons or to muscles in the case of efferent neurons. Axons are encased in a semi-permeable membrane that selectively admits or restricts particles via ion channels, primarily sodium and potassium.

When at rest, the neuron pumps sodium ions out to create an electrical potential across the membrane. When the neuron is stimulated a wave of depolarizing current called action potential moves along the entire length of the axon toward the presynaptic terminals.

Web Resources On Axon

Axon from Wikipedia
Axon from The MSN Encyclopedia

Book Resources On Axon

Oxford Companion to the Mind by O.L. Zangwill (Author), Richard L. Gregory (Ed.).
The Human Brain: An Introduction to Its Functional Anatomy by John Nolte
Anatomy and Physiology for Dummies by Donna Rae Siegfried

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