Dendrites, are an essential component of neurons, receiving and transmitting signals in the nervous system. These tree-like structures extend from the cell body, capturing incoming electrical impulses and conveying them to the cell body. Dendrites play an important role in neural communication, integrating signals from neighboring neurons and determining whether the cell will generate an action potential. Explore the intricate functions of dendrites and their significance in neural processing.

In this article, we will study the dendrites, their structure, function, and types of dendrites in detail.

What are Dendrites?

Dendrite Definition: Dendrites are the branched extensions of neurons that receive and process incoming signals from neighbouring neurons, enabling communication within the nervous system.

Dendrites are intricate protoplasmic extensions branching from the neuron’s cell body, importnat for neural communication within the nervous system. Functioning like antennae, dendrites receive incoming electrical signals from neighboring neurons or sensory receptors, transmitting them toward the cell body. This integration of signals is essential for neural processing and decision-making within the brain. Dendrites play a pivotal role in information processing, enabling neurons to interpret and respond to various stimuli, influencing cognition, behavior, and bodily functions.

The direction of flow of signals within a neuron is unidirectional. The signals travels from dendrites to the cell body and then along the axon to communicate with other neurons. These signals are transmitted from one neuron to another in the form of chemical neurotransmitters across synapses, the junctions between neurons. Dendrites process these incoming signals, add them up within the neuron and generate an electrical impulse known as an action potential.

Also Read: Generation and Conduction of Nerve Impulse

Dendrite Diagram

The diagram of the Dendrites is as follows:

Structure of Dendrites

The dendrites receive, process, and transfers the incoming signal to the axon of neuron. The structure of the dendrite is as follows:

• Dendrites are projections that extends from the cell body of a neuron towards axon.
• Each dendrite is about 2 µm in length and mostly 5 – 7 dendrites are present in one neuron cell.
• A complex interwoven structure is formed by them close to the neuron called the dendritic tree.
• It is covered in small, bulbous protrusions called dendritic spines, which increase their surface area for receiving signals.
• Dendrites are present in various shapes and sizes, depending on the type of neuron and the function it perform within the nervous system.
• Dendritic spines changes in shape and size, this is known as synaptic plasticity, which is required for learning and memory.
• Dendrites act as the receptive surfaces of neurons, that receives chemical signals from other neurons at synaptic junction.
• Dendrites contain various cytoplasmic components, like cytoskeletal structures and organelles such as Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. These components support the protein synthesis required for dendritic function during signal transmission.

Types of Dendrites

Dendrites can be divided into various types depending upon the dendrite morphology and dendrite branching. The types of dendrites are as follows:

• Adendritic Dendrite: As the name suggests there are no branches of dendrites,
• Spindled Dendrite: From two opposite ends of the neuronal cell body, two branches of dendrites are formed Example: Bipolar neurons.
• Spherical Dendrite: All around the neuronal cell body dendritic branches are present thereby giving a spherical appearance to the dendritic tree, Example: Cerebellar granule cells.
• Laminar Dendrite: From the neuronal cell body, the dendritic branches extends in a planar fashion. Example: Retinal ganglion cells.
• Cylindrical Dendrite: From the neuronal cell body, the dendritic branches radiates in all directions in a disc-like manner. Example: Pallidal neurons.
• Conical Dendrites: From the neuronal cell body, the dendritic branches protrude in a conical fashion. Example: Pyramidal cells.
• Fanned Dendrite: From the neuronal cell body, the dendritic branches protrude in a flat fan-like shape. Example: Purkinje cells.

Different Types of Neuron Diagrams

Function of Dendrites

Function of dendrites are as follows:

• Dendrites act as a primary receptor surfaces of a neuron. They receive chemical signals in the form of neurotransmitters released at synapses by neighboring neurons.
• Dendrites process the incoming signals by adding up the excitatory and inhibitory inputs they receive and generate an electrical impulse called an action potential.
• The weak signals are amplified by it that enables the neuron to determine and respond to specific information.
• It processes and filters incoming information, allowing neurons to differentiate between different types of signals.
• Dendritic spines are present on dendrites which can change their shape and size, a process known as synaptic plasticity. This helps in learning and keeping memory about things.

Conclusion: Dendrites

In conclusion, dendrites are essential components of neurons, facilitating communication within the nervous system. These structures receive incoming signals from neighboring neurons, transmitting them towards the cell body for integration. Dendrites play a critical role in neural processing, influencing cognition, behavior, and bodily functions. Understanding their function is crucial for unraveling the complexities of the brain and advancing our knowledge of neuroscience.

Also Read:

• Difference Between Axon and Dendrite
• Diagram of Nerve Cell
• Neuron Diagram – Structure and Function
• Difference between ANN and BNN
• Motor Neuron: Diagram, Characteristics and Diseases
• Nervous Tissue – Definition, Characteristics, Functions, Types

FAQs on Dendrites

What are the 2 Types of Dendrites?

The two types of dendrites are spiny dendrites, covered in tiny protrusions called spines, and aspinous dendrites, lacking spines.

What is the Function of Dendrites?

Dendrites receive, integrate, and process incoming signals or information from neighbouring neurons and transmit information within the nervous system.

What are 3 Differences between Axons and Dendrites?

Axons transmit signals away from the cell body, are longer, and lack dendritic spines, while dendrites receive signals and are shorter.

Where are Dendrites Located?

Dendrites are present on the neurons and radiates from the cell body of the neuron. They branch out to receive signals from other neurons at synapses.

How do Dendrites Receive Signals?

Dendrites receive signals in the form of chemical neurotransmitters released by neighboring neurons at synapses. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the dendritic spines.