Adendric

/eɪˈdɛndrɪk/ adjective

Definition

Lacking or without dendrites, the branching structures that allow nerve cells to receive signals from other neurons.

Etymology

From Greek prefix 'a-' (without) + 'dendrite' (from 'dendron,' tree). Originally describes nerve cells that lack the tree-like branching structures typical of most neurons.

Kelly Says

Some nerve cells don't follow the typical blueprint—they lack dendrites entirely, which means they had to evolve different ways to receive information from their neighbors!

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