Figure 2.

A sketch of our computational model of the axon. We model the axon as a system of longitudinally aligned microtubules that are cross-linked by tau and dynein proteins. The microtubules are surrounded by an actin cortex that is cross-linked by myosin proteins. Dynein protein cross-links connect actin filaments to microtubules. The growth cone is simplified by a single point that is firmly connected to the actin cortex using displacement constraints. The most distal set of microtubules can push the growth cone forward through cross-links that only carry compression. To view this figure in color, go online.