GROWTH CONE Meaning and
Definition
-
A growth cone is a specialized structure found at the growing tip of an axon (a long, slender projection of a nerve cell) during neural development. It serves as the main driving force behind axon elongation and pathfinding during embryonic and postnatal development.
The growth cone consists of a dynamic, finger-like structure made up of filopodia and lamellipodia, which extend and retract constantly. These protrusions allow the growth cone to explore the extracellular environment, navigate through complex tissue, and respond to various chemical and physical cues along its path.
At the molecular level, growth cones express a variety of specialized membrane proteins and receptors that enable them to detect attractive and repulsive guidance cues present in their environment. These signals can be either diffusible molecules or adhesive molecules present on the surface of other cells.
Upon detection of guidance cues, the growth cone alters its shape and direction, leading to extension or retraction of axons. The growth cone can also form temporary adhesions to the extracellular matrix or other cells, allowing it to transition from one substrate to another.
Overall, growth cones play a critical role in guiding the axons of developing neurons to their appropriate targets during neural circuit formation. By integrating extracellular signals and directing axonal growth, growth cones ensure the establishment of precise neuronal connections, a fundamental process for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Common Misspellings for GROWTH CONE
- frowth cone
- vrowth cone
- browth cone
- hrowth cone
- yrowth cone
- trowth cone
- geowth cone
- gdowth cone
- gfowth cone
- gtowth cone
- g5owth cone
- g4owth cone
- griwth cone
- grkwth cone
- grlwth cone
- grpwth cone
- gr0wth cone
- gr9wth cone
- groqth cone
- groath cone
Etymology of GROWTH CONE
The word "growth cone" is derived from the combination of "growth" and "cone".
The term "growth" originates from the Old Norse word "groði" meaning "vegetation, growth, increase". It later developed in Middle English as "growen" and is related to the Proto-Germanic word "grōaną" which means "to grow". Ultimately, its Indo-European root comes from the verb "greh₁-", which signifies "to grow" or "to become bigger".
The word "cone" has Latin origins, coming from the Latin word "cōnus" which means "cone". It can be traced back to the Greek word "kônos". "Cōnus" was used to refer to the geometric shape of a cone, characterized by a circular base and a pointed top.
Similar spelling word for GROWTH CONE
