Zenuwcelprocessen

Zenuwcelprocessen, also known as neuronal processes or neurites, are fundamental extensions of a nerve cell, or neuron. These processes are critical for the transmission of electrochemical signals throughout the nervous system. There are two primary types of zenuwcelprocessen: dendrites and axons. Dendrites are typically shorter, branched structures that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them towards the neuron's cell body, or soma. They are characterized by their tree-like morphology, increasing the surface area available for synaptic connections. Axons, on the other hand, are usually longer, single extensions that carry electrical impulses, known as action potentials, away from the neuron's cell body to communicate with other neurons, muscles, or glands. The end of an axon branches into axon terminals, which form synapses with other cells. Many axons are covered by a myelin sheath, an insulating layer produced by glial cells, which greatly speeds up the conduction of nerve impulses. The intricate network of zenuwcelprocessen forms the basis of all neural communication, enabling complex functions such as thought, sensation, and movement. Damage or dysfunction of these processes can lead to significant neurological disorders.