Dictionary > Neuropodia

Neuropodia

Definition
(zoology) Plural form of neuropodium, the ventral lobe or branch of a parapodium
(neuroanatomy) synaptic boutons
Supplement
In zoology, a neuropodium, or neuropodia in plural form, pertains to the ventral lobe of the parapodium of the polychaetes. The parapodium is one of the paired lateral appendages. Each parapodium is comprised of two divisions: the notopodium and the neuropodium. The notopodium is the dorsal lobe whereas the neuropodium is the ventral lobe of the parapodium. The parapodia (plural of parapodium) of polychaetes may be classified as uniramous or biramous depending on the presence of the neuropodia. Parapodia consisting of two lobes (thus, with neuropodia) are referred to as biramous. Parapodia with only one lobe (thus, lacking neuropodia) are referred to as uniramous. Both lobes may bear cirri and seta. The cirri of neuropodium are specifically called neurocirri (against the notocirri in notopodium). In contrast, the setae of neuropodium are called neurosetae (whereas notosetae are the setae of notopodium).
In neuroanatomy, the term neuropodia may pertain to the axon terminals of a nerve cell. It is another word used as a synonym for the button-like endings of a neuron involved in the release of neurotransmitters at the synaptic cleft for the transmission of electrical signals from one neuron to another neuron, or to an effector cell.
Word origin: Greek neuro– combining form of (neuron); akin to Latin nervus + Latin –podium (footlike)
See also:


You will also like...

squirrel
Animal Water Regulation

Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

Plant Water Regulation
Plant Water Regulation

Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

Water Cycle
The Water Cycle

The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..

Adaptation Tutorial
Adaptation Tutorial

Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

Plant biology
Plant Biology

Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

Early Earth
The Origins of Life

This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics