Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 8, 2025

A Microbiomechanical System for Studying Varicosity Formation and Recovery in Central Neuron Axons
Published on: April 30, 2018
Mechanical waves in myelinated axons
Kert Tamm1, Tanel Peets2, Jüri Engelbrecht2,3
1Department of Cybernetics, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 21, 12618, Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia. kert@ioc.ee.
Abstract:
The propagation of an action potential in nerves is accompanied by mechanical and thermal effects. Several mathematical models explain the deformation of the unmyelinated axon wall (a mechanical wave). In this paper, the deformation of the myelinated axon wall is studied. The mathematical model is inspired by the mechanics of microstructured materials with multiple scales. The model involves a Boussinesq-type equation together with a modification that describes the process in the myelin sheath. The dispersion analysis of such a model explains the behaviour of group and phase velocities. In addition, it is shown how dissipative effects may influence the process. Numerical calculations demonstrate the changes in velocities and wave profiles in the myelinated axon wall.
Related Concept Videos
Action Potentials
Action Potential
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Nervous Tissue: Myelin
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...
Propagation of Action Potentials
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...
Travelling Waves
Water waves, sound waves, and seismic waves are some examples of mechanical waves. For water waves, the wave propagation medium is...
Neurons: 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....

