Dorsal Root Ganglion neuron growth cones

Close up of the growth cones of dorsal root ganglion nerve cells. They are stained to reveal the microtubules (green) and actin filaments (red). The axon shaft contains bundles of microtubules that give structural support and carry cargo (protein and membranes) to and from the cell body. The "hand-like" growth cones at the end of the axons are very motile and read and integrate molecular cues in the environment. They also guide the growing nerves to their targets in the growing embryo.