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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Axon Stretch Growth: The Mechanotransduction of Neuronal Growth
Published on: August 10, 2011
Constancy of motor axon conduction time during growth in rats
X Y Chen1, J S Carp, J R Wolpaw
1Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany 12201-0509.
Abstract:
Axon conduction distance, conduction velocity, and conduction time were measured for individual triceps surae motoneurons in Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 230-630 g (i.e., age range 6-16 weeks). Both conduction distance (nerve length) and velocity were closely correlated with weight (r = 0.95 and r = 0.82, respectively). In contrast, conduction time did not change as weight increased nearly threefold. This striking constancy is probably due to a corresponding increase in axon diameter. It could contribute to maintenance of stable motor performance during rapid growth.
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