About Anatomy Links Publications Search Tools  Morphology of
Axons  by Karin Sorra  Three functional domains of neurons
include:    1. The Axon -- a cellular extension that projects
to, and makes synapses with, the dendrites of other neurons   2.
Dendrites -- extend from the cell body and receive input from
other neurons   3. Cell Body -- a globular compartment
containing a variety of organelles including the nucleus, and
gives rise to the axon and dendrites  Axons typically project
over long distances from their sites of origin to communicate
and synapse with their targets. Swellings termed axonal
varicosities/boutons are typically the sites where synapses
occur. Boutons form as terminal bulbs at the end of an axon,
and/or along the length of individual axons as boutons en
passant (see diagram above). Axonal bouton, varicosity, en
passant terminal or bouton are terms often used interchangeably,
although they may exist as slightly different morphological
entities.  Axon Coursing Through Apical Dendrites of a