An axon is a part of a nerve cell, also known as a neuron, that acts like a long, slender wire transmitting electrical impulses away from the neuron’s cell body. It’s like a cable that carries messages from one neuron to another or to other cells in the body, such as muscles or glands. Its function is crucial for understanding how mental processes occur. 

Dysfunction in axon transmission or connectivity can contribute to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Therefore, understanding the structure and function of axons is important for understanding the neural basis of mental health and developing effective treatments.