Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026
09:36
Continuous-Wave Propagation Channel-Sounding Measurement System - Testing, Verification, and Measurements
Published on: June 25, 2021
3.5K
Asymptotic wave propagation in excitable media
Olivier Bernus1, Edward Vigmond2
1L'Institut de Rythmologie et Modélisation Cardiaque LIRYC, and Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique, Inserm U1045, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.
Summary
Wave propagation in excitable media exhibits maximal velocity despite local conduction heterogeneities. Theoretical analysis and simulations reveal predictable wave-front shapes, even with complex dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Mathematical Biology
- Complex Systems
Background:
- Wave propagation and velocity are critical in reaction-diffusion systems, influenced by heterogeneous conduction properties.
- Maximal conduction velocity has been observed in anisotropic cardiac tissue, but its universality in other excitable media is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of conduction heterogeneities and boundary effects on wave propagation in excitable media.
- To determine if maximal translational conduction velocity is a universal property beyond anisotropic cardiac tissue.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of wave propagation in reaction-diffusion systems.
- Computational simulations in various excitable media, including cardiac tissue models.
Main Results:
- Wave-front cusps form at locations with reduced local velocity.
- Asymptotic wave fronts consistently propagate at the maximal translational conduction velocity.
- Theoretical predictions were confirmed through simulations across different systems.
Conclusions:
- Maximal translational conduction velocity is a general property of excitable reaction-diffusion systems with local velocity modulation.
- Asymptotic wave-front shapes can be accurately predicted in these systems.
- Findings have implications for understanding wave dynamics in biological and chemical systems.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Slant Asymptotes
145
A function's behavior is often guided by asymptotic constraints, where one term dominates another, defining a limiting trend. In the given scenario, the mathematical pattern follows a rational function: a cubic term in the numerator is divided by a squared term in the denominator. This results in a function with distinct characteristics, including an oblique asymptote, critical points, and undefined regions.The function's validity is determined by the denominator, which must be nonzero. This...
145
01:30Asymptotes in Rational Functions
262
A rational function is defined as the quotient of two polynomials: where Q(x)≠0, These functions often exhibit asymptotes, which are the lines that the graph approaches but never touches. These asymptotes are classified based on how the function behaves near specific values of the input.Vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator is zero, and the numerator is not, causing the function to be undefined. These are found by solving Q(x)=0. For example: has a vertical...
262
01:23Propagation of Action Potentials
9.5K
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...
9.5K
01:07Propagation of Waves
3.0K
When a wave propagates from one medium to another, part of it may get reflected in the first medium, and part of it may get transmitted to the second medium. In such a case, the interface of the two mediums can be considered as a boundary that is neither fixed nor free.
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
3.0K
01:30Propagation Speed of Electromagnetic Waves
4.7K
Electromagnetic waves are consistent with Ampere's law. Assuming there is no conduction current Ampere's law is given as:
4.7K
02:12The Wave Nature of Light
61.5K
The nature of light has been a subject of inquiry since antiquity. In the seventeenth century, Isaac Newton performed experiments with lenses and prisms and was able to demonstrate that white light consists of the individual colors of the rainbow combined together. Newton explained his optics findings in terms of a "corpuscular" view of light, in which light was composed of streams of extremely tiny particles traveling at high speeds according to Newton's laws of motion.
61.5K