Neuron with connections

In this illustration, the tan processes connecting to our neuron are providing afferent (incoming) electrical information to the neuron. At the axon hillock, where the soma gives rise to the axon, if there is sufficient current change to cause the membrane to depolarize to the threshold potential, an action potential is generated. This action potential travels distally down the axon, eventually carrying information to other cells. In this illustration, our neuron's axon branches at the distal end, and synapses onto other neurons (shown in light grey).