FIGURE 4.

DRG neuron soma. (a) The soma of DRG neurons in mice can be defined as large (>35 μm in diameter, blue), medium (25–35 μm, pink) or small (<25 μm, black) and soma size is related to the myelination state of the neuron. Due to their psuedounipolar structure, DRG neurons have a stem axon which leaves the soma and bifurcates at the T junction. It is thought that the length of this stem axon is greater in neurons with a larger cell body, limiting its impact on conduction. DRG neurons with a smaller cell body have shorter stem axons and may regulate the transmission of sensory signals as they pass the T junction. (b) DRG neuron soma are surrounded by satellite glia cells (SGCs). Neuronal soma in the DRG may communicate with each other through the formation of gap junctions between neurons or SCGs