Neurofilament proteins are chemically distinct from intermediate filaments of other cells. Neurotubules are polymers of alpha and beta tubulin. The neurotubules and neurofilaments form the cytoskeleton of nerve cells. They impart shape and structural stability and guide axoplasmic flow. The most important parts of the neuronal membrane are the synapses.
Most synapses develop on thorn like processes of dendrites, the dendritic spines.
The axon terminal contains neurotransmitters packaged in synaptic vesicles. The membrane of these vesicles contains special proteins, including synaptophysin and synapsins. Upon excitation, the synaptic vesicles fuse with the synaptic membrane and discharge their contents into the synaptic cleft. Contact of neurotransmitters with receptors on the postsynaptic membrane elicits cellular reactions that transmit the message to the postsynaptic neuron. Axons and dendrites are demonstrated best with silver stains in which ammoniacal silver is deposited on cytoskeletal components and then reduced to black metallic silver.