axon - Page 3

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential: Function, Role & Diseases

The excitatory postsynaptic potential is an excitatory potential in the postsynaptic membrane of neurons. The individual potentials are summed spatially and temporally and can give rise to an action potential. Transmission disorders such as myasthenia gravis or other myasthenias disrupt these processes. What is the excitatory postsynaptic potential? The excitatory postsynaptic potential is an excitatory … Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential: Function, Role & Diseases

Neurite

Neurite is the term used to describe the cell extension of a nerve cell through which electrical impulses are transmitted to its environment. If the neurite is also surrounded by “glial cells” that isolate it, it is called an axon. Function and structure A neurite is the extension of a nerve cell, and directs its … Neurite

Ranvier lacing ring

A Ranvier lacing ring is a ring-shaped interruption of the fat or myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. In the course of “saltatoric excitation conduction” it serves to increase the speed of nerve conduction. Saltatoric, from Latin: saltare = to jump refers to the “jump” of an action potential that takes place when it encounters a … Ranvier lacing ring

Dendrit

Definition Dendrites are the cytoplasmic extensions of a nerve cell, which usually branch off from the nerve cell body (soma) in a knot-like manner and become more and more finely branched in two parts. They serve to receive electrical stimuli from upstream nerve cells via synapses and transmit them to the soma. The dendrites also … Dendrit

Spinous processes | Dendrit

Spinous processes Dendrites that do not have a spinous process are called “smooth” dendrites. They pick up nerve impulses directly. While the dendrites have the spines, the nerve impulses can be absorbed through the spines as well as through the dendrite trunk. The thorns emerge from the dendrites like little mushroom heads. They can increase … Spinous processes | Dendrit

Brodmanns Area: Structure, Function & Diseases

Brodmann areas are a division of the human cerebral cortex based on cellular architecture. Areas with the same cellular structure form a Brodmann area. The brain is divided into 52 Brodmann areas. What is a Brodmann area? The brain of all living things appears as a monotonous and fatty mass, therefore white in color. Although … Brodmanns Area: Structure, Function & Diseases

Carbamazepine: Effects, Uses & Risks

Carbamazepine is used in medicine as an agent for the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders. Most notably, it is used for the prophylaxis of seizures. The active ingredient is frequently prescribed in Germany. What is carbamazepine? Carbamazepine is used in medicine as an agent for the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders. Most notably, … Carbamazepine: Effects, Uses & Risks

Synaptic Cleft: Structure, Function & Diseases

The synaptic cleft represents the gap between two nerve cells within a chemical synapse. The electrical nerve signal from the first cell transforms into a biochemical signal at the terminal node and transforms back into an electrical action potential in the second nerve cell. Agents such as drugs, medications, and toxins can interfere with the … Synaptic Cleft: Structure, Function & Diseases

Synapses: Structure, Function & Diseases

Synapses are the junctions between nerve cells and sensory, muscle, or glandular cells, or between two or more nerve cells. They serve to transmit signals and stimuli. Stimulus transmission is mostly chemical by means of neurotransmitters. There are also synapses that transmit their action potential directly by electrical means, which makes the transmission of stimuli … Synapses: Structure, Function & Diseases

Protopathic Sensitivity: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Protopathic sensitivity is the term used to describe gross perception as a sensory quality of the skin that detects threats to the vital sphere. In addition to pain and temperature, humans thus perceive mechanical stimuli that travel to the central nervous system via the tractus spinothalamicus. Associated complaints often derive from multiple sclerosis. What is … Protopathic Sensitivity: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Muscle Fiber: Structure, Function & Diseases

Muscle fibers form the basic cellular and working unit of all skeletal muscles in humans. They can range in length from less than 1 mm to 50 cm with a thickness of about 0.01 to 0.2 mm. Several muscle fibers become muscle fiber bundles, which – also combined into several – form the muscle in … Muscle Fiber: Structure, Function & Diseases

Superior Laryngeal Nerve: Structure, Function & Diseases

The superior laryngeal nerve runs in the neck of humans. Its ramus internus consists of sensitive fibers that innervate the upper part of the laryngeal mucosa and some taste receptors. The ramus externus contributes to the motor control of the cricothyroid muscle, which tenses the vocal cords. What is the superior laryngeal nerve? The superior … Superior Laryngeal Nerve: Structure, Function & Diseases