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Published on: August 27, 2019
CONDUCTION IN NERVE FIBRES
1Department of Physiology, The School of Medicine and Dentistry of The University of Rochester, Rochester, N. Y.
The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
Summary
This study supports Rashevsky's nerve transmission model using experimental data. Findings suggest action currents are key to nerve impulse propagation via electrical excitation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Nerve impulse transmission is fundamental to nervous system function.
- Understanding the biophysical mechanisms of nerve signal propagation is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Rashevsky's equation for nerve impulse velocity using experimental data.
- To investigate the role of action currents in nerve fiber transmission.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of voltage-capacity curves and nerve impulse velocities from E. A. Blair and Erlanger's data.
- Relating empirical findings to Rashevsky's theoretical model.
Main Results:
- Experimental data support Rashevsky's analysis of nerve transmission velocity.
- Empirical relationships confirm action currents as primary factors in nerve signal propagation.
Conclusions:
- Rashevsky's equation accurately models nerve impulse velocity.
- Nerve impulse transmission occurs through electrical excitation driven by action currents.
Related Concept Videos
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...
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...
Action Potentials
Overview
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...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
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
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Membrane potential in neurons
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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...
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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.
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.

