HealthSeptember 4, 2026

dendrites

DEN-drayts

Definition

The branching, tree-like extensions of a nerve cell that receive signals from other neurons.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'dendron', meaning 'tree', this term was coined in the 19th century to describe the branching, tree-like appearance of these cellular extensions.

In the news

The article highlights that tau protein synthesis occurs specifically within dendrites, identifying these structures as critical, vulnerable sites for potential Alzheimer's development.

Columbia scientists find tau linked to Alzheimer's produced in dendrites

Read the full article ↗

NewsBytes

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