How Do You Spell AXODENDRITIC?

Pronunciation: [ˌaksə͡ʊdəndɹˈɪtɪk] (IPA)

Axodendritic is a word that is commonly used in the field of neuroscience to describe the synapses that occur between an axon and a dendrite. The word is spelled "a-k-s-uh-d-e-n-d-r-ih-t-ih-k" and is pronounced as /æksəʊdɛnˈdrɪtɪk/. The first part of the word "axo-" refers to the axon, while the second part "dendritic" refers to the dendrite. The spelling of this word can be difficult to remember, but understanding its phonetic transcription can make it easier to use and remember in the future.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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AXODENDRITIC Meaning and Definition

  1. Axodendritic refers to a type of synaptic connection in the nervous system, particularly in neurons. The term is derived from the combination of "axo," referring to the axon, and "dendritic," relating to dendrites. Axons and dendrites are two key components of neurons responsible for transmitting and receiving electrical signals, respectively.

    Specifically, axodendritic denotes a synaptic connection where the axon terminal of one neuron communicates with the dendrites of another neuron. In this type of connection, the axon terminal releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, a small gap between the axon terminal and the dendrites of the receiving neuron. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the dendrites, initiating a change in the electrical potential of the receiving neuron.

    Axodendritic synapses play a crucial role in information processing and signal transmission in the brain. They are involved in various brain functions including learning, memory, and sensory perception. The number and strength of axodendritic connections can change, forming the basis of synaptic plasticity, which underlies learning and memory formation.

    Understanding the intricacies of axodendritic connections is important for comprehending how information is transmitted within the nervous system and for studying various neurological disorders.

Common Misspellings for AXODENDRITIC

Etymology of AXODENDRITIC

The word "axodendritic" is a compound of two roots: "axo-" and "dendritic".

The prefix "axo-" is derived from the Greek word "axios", meaning "axis" or "shaft". In neuroscience, it refers to the axon, which is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body.

The root "dendritic" is derived from the Greek word "dendron", meaning "tree", which later evolved to refer to the branched structure of a neuron. In neuroscience, it relates to dendrites, which are the short, branched extensions of a nerve cell that receive signals from other neurons.

Therefore, "axodendritic" describes something that pertains to both the axon and dendrites of a neuron, suggesting a connection between the two structures.