Two fluorescently-labeled<unk> s. The<unk>  (green) on the left is an example of a “filopodial”<unk> , while the one on the right is a “lamellipodial”<unk> . Typically,<unk> s have both structures, but with varying sizes and numbers of each. The morphology of the<unk>  can be easily described by using the hand as an analogy. The fine extensions of the<unk>  are pointed filopodia known as microspikes. The filopodia are like the "fingers" of the<unk> ; they contain bundles of actin filaments (F-actin) that give them shape and support. Filopodia are the dominant structures in<unk> s, and they appear as narrow cylindrical extensions which can extend several micrometres beyond the edge of the<unk> . The filopodia are bound by a membrane which contains receptors, and cell adhesion molecules that are important for axon<unk>  and guidance. In between filopodia—much like the webbing of the hands—are the "lamellipodia". These are flat regions of dense actin meshwork instead of bundled F-actin as in filopodia. They often appear adjacent to the leading edge of the<unk>  and are positioned between two filopodia, giving them a "veil-like" appearance. In<unk> s, new filopodia usually emerge from these inter-filopodial veils. The<unk>  is described in terms of three regions: the peripheral (P) domain, the transitional (T) domain, and the central (C) domain. The peripheral domain is the thin region surrounding the outer edge of the<unk> . It is composed primarily of an actin-based cytoskeleton, and contains the lamellipodia and filopodia which are highly dynamic. Microtubules, however, are known to transiently enter the peripheral region via a process called dynamic instability. The central domain is located in the center of the<unk>  nearest to the axon. This region is composed primarily of a microtubule-based cytoskeleton, is generally thicker, and contains many organelles and vesicles of various sizes. The transitional domain is the region located in the thin band between the central and peripheral domains.<unk> s are molecularly specialized, with transcriptomes and proteomes that are distinct from those of their parent cell bodies. There are many cytoskeletal-associated proteins, which perform a variety of duties within the<unk> , such as anchoring actin and microtubules to each other, to the membrane, and to other cytoskeletal components. Some of these components include molecular motors that generate force within the<unk>  and membrane-bound vesicles which are transported in and out of the<unk>  via microtubules. Some examples of cytoskeletal-associated proteins are fascin and filamins (actin bundling), talin (actin anchoring), myosin (vesicle transport), and mDia (microtubule-actin linking).
Growth cone
Root sheath 
Germinal matrix
Cortical homunculus
Neuromatrix
Cortical minicolumn
Optic cup 
Neurosphere