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Related Concept Videos

Neurons: The Axon01:21

Neurons: The Axon

Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
Action Potentials01:41

Action Potentials

Overview
Action Potential01:14

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Action Potential01:14

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Nervous Tissue: Myelin01:25

Nervous Tissue: Myelin

The myelin sheath is a multilayered lipid and protein covering that insulates the axon of a neuron, enhancing the speed of nerve impulse conduction. Axons without this sheath are referred to as unmyelinated. Two types of neuroglia, Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) are responsible for producing myelin sheaths.
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...
Propagation of Action Potentials01:23

Propagation of Action Potentials

The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...

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Mechanical properties of axons.

Roberto Bernal1, Pramod A Pullarkat, Francisco Melo

  • 1Departamento de Física, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, and CIMAT, Correo 2, Santiago, Chile.

Physical Review Letters
|August 7, 2007
PubMed
Summary

PC12 neurites exhibit elastic, viscoelastic, and active contraction responses to tension. An improved mechanical model incorporating molecular motor action explains axon tension dynamics and contraction.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular mechanics
  • Neuroscience
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • PC12 neurites are crucial for neuronal development and function.
  • Understanding neurite mechanics is key to studying neuronal growth and repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanical response of PC12 neurites under tension.
  • To refine existing mechanical models of axon behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Microneedle technique to apply tension to PC12 neurites.
  • Analysis of elastic response, viscoelastic relaxation, and active contraction.
  • Modification of the Dennerll et al. mechanical model.

Main Results:

  • Observed elastic response, viscoelastic relaxation, and active contraction in neurites.

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A Microbiomechanical System for Studying Varicosity Formation and Recovery in Central Neuron Axons

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  • Introduced a new element in the mechanical model representing molecular motor action.
  • Demonstrated a transition from viscoelastic elongation to active contraction under specific conditions.

    • Conclusions:

    • The improved model accurately describes axon tension response to elongation rates.
    • Molecular motors play a significant role in active axon contraction.
    • Neurite mechanical behavior exhibits complex, condition-dependent dynamics.