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Related Concept Videos

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...
The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation01:19

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
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...
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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Modeling Biological Membranes with Circuit Boards and Measuring Electrical Signals in Axons: Student Laboratory Exercises
13:56

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Published on: January 18, 2011

Regulation of conduction time along axons.

A H Seidl1

  • 1Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Neuroscience
|July 4, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Nerve conduction velocity regulation is crucial for nervous system function. Glial cells actively shape axon-myelin interactions to control signal speed and timing, ensuring precise neural communication.

Keywords:
auditory systemcoincidence detectionconduction velocity regulationinternode distanceneuronal isochronicityneuron–glia interaction

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Precise neural information transfer relies on regulated nerve conduction velocity.
  • Myelination by oligodendrocytes optimizes signal speed via saltatory conduction.
  • Systematic regulation of conduction velocity and timing is observed but poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanisms of systematic conduction velocity regulation along axons.
  • To highlight the role of glial-neuron interactions in controlling conduction speed.
  • To explore functional implications of conduction velocity variations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on neural systems with regulated conduction velocity.
  • Analysis of anatomical parameters influencing signal propagation (node assembly, internode distance, axon diameter).
  • Focus on recent studies in systems with high temporal precision, such as avian and mammalian auditory systems.

Main Results:

  • Conduction velocity is modulated by anatomical variations controlled by myelinating glia.
  • Glial cells actively interact with axons to shape myelin and influence signal speed.
  • Examples from auditory systems demonstrate functional roles for regulated conduction velocity.

Conclusions:

  • An active glial-neuron interaction process underlies conduction velocity control.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is key to deciphering neural timing and development.
  • Further research in specific neural systems will illuminate conduction time establishment and maintenance.