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Neuron Hillock (Axon Initial Segment): Location and Function

The axon hillock (axon initial segment, AIS) is the specialized region where the axon emerges from the neuronal soma (cell body).

Key Features

  • Location: Junction of soma and axon; ~20–60 µm long.
  • High density of voltage-gated Na+ channels (Nav1.6 isoform) → lowest action potential threshold.
  • Ankyrin-G scaffolds channels and cell adhesion molecules.

Function

  1. Integration site: Summates excitatory (EPSPs) and inhibitory (IPSPs) postsynaptic potentials from dendrites/soma.
  2. Action potential initiation: If net depolarization reaches threshold, AP fires here and propagates down the axon.
  3. Polarity maintenance: Restricts somatic proteins to soma; axonal proteins to axon.

    4. Dysfunction (e.g., Nav1.6 mutations) links to epilepsy, ataxia, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

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