What are the components of axonal transport?

Axonal transport is the process by which nerve cells transport substances between the cell body and the axon terminals, or axon tips. This process is energy-dependent. Axonal transport is dependent on three components: microtubules, anterograde transport machinery, and retrograde transport machinery. 

1. Microtubules: Microtubules are thin long structures that act as roadways for transporting cargoes in all cells. They are dynamic and capable of easily changing their direction and length. Microtubules form networks in the cell body making it easy to transport materials in all directions.  
2. Anterograde transport machinery: Anterograde transport machinery is responsible for transporting essential proteins from the neuronal cell body, where they are synthesized, to specific points in the axon, including the axon terminals. 
3. Retrograde transport machinery: Retrograde axonal transport transfers survival signals from distal axon terminals to the neuronal cell body, where they stimulate the synthesis of essential proteins that the nerves need to function efficiently. Retrograde axonal transport also plays a role in maintaining homeostasis by eliminating aging organelles and proteins from the distal axon and sending them for degradation or recycling of components.