Question

Differentiate between dendrites and axons.

Answer 1

Hint: Neurons are specialized cells which are present in the brain and the nervous system.

Complete Answer:
Let us first know about the various parts of a neuron,
1) Dendrites or dendrons are defined as branched protoplasmic extensions of a nerve cell propagating the electrochemical stimulation that are received from other neural cells.
2) An axon or the nerve fibre is defined as a long slender projection arising out of a nerve cell or a neuron which is responsible for the conduction of electrical impulses far away from the soma or the neural cell’s body.
3) Nerve cell body - It consists of cell components like nucleus, organelles and endomembrane system.
4) Schwann cells.

Here are the differentiation points that distinguishes the dendrites from axons –

Sl.No	Axons	Dendrites
1.	There is only one axon available per nerve cell	There are many dendrites enclosed within a nerve cell
2.	Axon is defined as the discharging end of a neuron	Dendrites are defined as the receiving end of the neuron
3.	Axons are longer than dendrites	Dendrites are relatively shorter than axons
4	Axons are uniformly thick throughout their length	The edges of the dendrites taper off into slender branch-like structures
5.	Nissl’s granules are absent	Nissl’s granules are present
6	Only 1 is present	1 or more than 1 can be present

Note: The various functions of nervous system are,
- It helps in receiving information.
- It helps in generating responses.
- It helps in coordination between the various organs of the body.