axon

IPA/ˈæksɒn/
KK[ˈæksˌɑn]IPA/ˈæksɑːn/

axon — noun

  • axonsingular
  • axonsplural

1. A single long threadlike extension of a neuron that carries electrical messages

1.名詞C2
釋義

A single long threadlike extension of a neuron that carries electrical messages outward from the central region of the cell, linking to other neurons, muscles, or glands so the nervous system can function.

例句

Ritu traced the path of a nerve signal along the axon in her biology diagram.

Damage to the axon can slow down the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles.

collocation: damage + axon

同義詞
  • nerve fibre

    broader, less precise term used in general anatomy; includes both axons and dendrites

  • neurite

    technical umbrella term for any projection from a neuron cell body (axon or dendrite)

反義詞
  • dendrite

    the branching part of a neuron that receives signals rather than sending them

用法筆記

In scientific writing, 'axon' is usually singular because each neuron has exactly one long axon (unlike dendrites, which are many). The plural 'axons' is used when discussing multiple nerve cells.

常見錯誤

❌The axon receives signals from other cells and passes them to the cell body.
✅The axon carries signals away from the cell body toward other cells.
💡Axons send signals outward; dendrites receive incoming signals.