Nerve Endings
| Definition: |
Specialized terminations of peripheral neurons. Nerve endings include NEUROEFFECTOR JUNCTION(s) by which neurons activate target organs and sensory receptors (see RECEPTORS, SENSORY) which transduce information from the various sensory modalities and send it centrally in the nervous system. Presynaptic nerve endings are PRESYNAPTIC TERMINALS. |
| Notes: |
do not confuse with MOTOR ENDPLATE |
Nerve Endings Categories.
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Neuroeffector Junction - The synapse between a neuron (presynaptic) and an effector cell other than another neuron (postsynaptic). Neuroeffector junctions include synapses onto muscles and onto secretory cells. |
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Receptors, Sensory - Specialized neurons or parts of neurons which transduce sensory information and relay it centrally. Included are receptors for stimuli outside the body (exteroceptors) as well as receptors for stimuli from within the body itself (interoceptors and proprioceptors). Sensory receptors may include accessory structures which condition (e.g., filter) the input received by the receptor neurons themselves. |
Nerve Endings Definitions and Terms
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