The spelling of the word "adendritic" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The pronunciation is /eɪˌdɛnˈdrɪtɪk/, with the first syllable "ad-" pronounced like "add" and the second syllable "-en-" sounding like "en" in "end." The word also features the prefix "dendr-", meaning "tree-like," and the suffix "-ic," indicating an adjective form. Therefore, "adendritic" describes a branching structure that lacks dendrites, commonly found in neurons. It is important to spell this term correctly in order to communicate accurately in neuroscience and related fields.
Adendritic is an adjective that describes a certain characteristic related to the structure or form of nerve cells, specifically neurons. When referring to neurons, "adendritic" indicates the absence or absence-like nature of dendrites—an extension of the neuron that receives and transmits electrical signals from other nerve cells.
Dendrites are branched projections that extend from the cell body of the neuron, and they function as the primary site for receiving signals from other neurons. These signals are then transmitted towards the cell body to be processed and integrated for further communication within the nervous system. However, in the case of "adendritic" neurons, the presence of these dendritic branches is lacking or extremely limited.
Neurons that are adendritic typically possess a more simplified form, with a short projection called an axon that extends directly from the cell body and serves as the primary transmitter of signals to other neurons. As a result, the communication capabilities of adendritic nerve cells may differ from those with elaborate dendritic structures. The absence of dendrites may impact the neuron's ability to receive and integrate inputs from other cells, potentially influencing its overall functionality within neural networks and information processing.
Overall, adendritic defines the specific morphological feature of neurons characterized by the lack or minimal presence of dendritic extensions from the cell body.
Without dendrites, noting certain nerve cells in the spinal ganglia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.