Archineuron

/ˌɑːrkɪˈnjʊərɒn/ noun

Definition

A primitive or ancestral form of a neuron; a hypothetical basic nerve cell in evolutionary history.

Etymology

From Greek 'archi-' (primitive, original) + 'neuron' (nerve). Combines to describe the ancestral or most basic form of a nerve cell in evolutionary development.

Kelly Says

Neuroscientists use this term when discussing how nerve cells evolved—imagine the very first living cells that developed something resembling a 'neuron,' and you've got the archineuron!

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