The soma contains a large nucleus and other structures responsible for proper maintenance and function of the neuron. Dendrites are branching structures that extend from the soma. Dendrites may have hundreds or thousands of synapses that receive signals from other neurons and relay information to the soma. The axon is an elongated structure that conducts signals from the soma to synaptic terminals. Each neuron has one axon, which is wrapped in multiple layers of a substance called myelin .
Myelin is critical in nerve signal conduction.
Synaptic terminals are formed within the end of an axon. One form involves degeneration of the myelin sheath that surrounds a nerve's axon. The other involves impairment of the axon. There are several types of CMT within each form. The most commonly diagnosed type is CMT1.