Which of the following is NOT a trait of an axon?

Which of the following is NOT a trait of an axon?

• A. Contains myelin sheath of glial cells
• B. Works by saltatory conduction
• C. Ends in a muscle, gland, or other neuron
• D. Contains sensory endings

Answer: (D)

An axon is a specialized structure of a neuron that plays a crucial role in transmitting electrical signals away from the neuron's cell body. The characteristic traits of axons include having a myelin sheath and functioning through saltatory conduction, which enhances the speed of signal transmission by allowing impulses to jump between the nodes of Ranvier. While axons can end at synapses with other neurons, muscle fibers, or glands (as mentioned in another choice), they do not typically contain sensory endings themselves. Sensory endings are generally associated with dendrites or specialized sensory receptors, where they initiate signals in response to environmental stimuli. This distinction is important because it clarifies the functional differences between the parts of a neuron: while dendrites receive signals and sensory input, axons primarily focus on signal transmission over distances. Thus, the absence of sensory endings in axons sets them apart from other neuronal components.

An axon is a specialized structure of a neuron that plays a crucial role in transmitting electrical signals away from the neuron's cell body. The characteristic traits of axons include having a myelin sheath and functioning through saltatory conduction, which enhances the speed of signal transmission by allowing impulses to jump between the nodes of Ranvier.

While axons can end at synapses with other neurons, muscle fibers, or glands (as mentioned in another choice), they do not typically contain sensory endings themselves. Sensory endings are generally associated with dendrites or specialized sensory receptors, where they initiate signals in response to environmental stimuli. This distinction is important because it clarifies the functional differences between the parts of a neuron: while dendrites receive signals and sensory input, axons primarily focus on signal transmission over distances. Thus, the absence of sensory endings in axons sets them apart from other neuronal components.