Dendritic spines (DS) are small protrusions from which neuronal structure?

Dendritic spines (DS) are small protrusions from which neuronal structure?

• A. Axons
• B. Soma
• C. Dendrites
• D. Myelin

Answer: (C)

Dendritic spines are tiny protrusions that emerge from dendrites, the branched structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons. They are the main postsynaptic sites of most excitatory synapses, providing specialized, receptor-rich surfaces that can rapidly change in size and shape as part of synaptic plasticity and learning. They are not located on axons (which carry signals away from the neuron and form presynaptic terminals), not on the soma, and not related to myelin (which insulates axons). Since these little protrusions come off dendrites, the correct description is that dendritic spines arise from dendrites.

Dendritic spines are tiny protrusions that emerge from dendrites, the branched structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons. They are the main postsynaptic sites of most excitatory synapses, providing specialized, receptor-rich surfaces that can rapidly change in size and shape as part of synaptic plasticity and learning. They are not located on axons (which carry signals away from the neuron and form presynaptic terminals), not on the soma, and not related to myelin (which insulates axons). Since these little protrusions come off dendrites, the correct description is that dendritic spines arise from dendrites.