Axonal Pathfinding and Network Assembly

Synonyms

Growth cone guidance

Definition

For correct functioning of the mature nervous system, precise synapse formation and network assembly during development is required. The neurons, which are the signaling units of the nervous system, possess specialized neurite processes known as dendrites and axons, which are responsible for receiving and sending signals. These neuritic processes, which grow out from the cell body of the neuron during development, must make accurate connections with appropriate targets. The axon in particular, may need to traverse great distances before reaching such targets and the process by which the axon navigates to its eventual destination is known as axonal pathfinding. The structure responsible for this pathfinding task is known as the neuronal Growth Cone [1].

Characteristics

Early Development of the Nervous System - A Prelude to Axon Pathfinding and Network Assembly

The construction of an organ as complex