Nerve impulses

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Nerve Impulses

Nerve impulses (pronunciation: /nɜːrv ɪmˈpʌlsɪz/), also known as Action potentials, are the primary means of communication within the nervous system. The term "nerve impulse" is derived from the Latin nervus meaning "sinew, cord, nerve" and the Latin impulsus meaning "a pushing against, pressure, impulse".

Definition

A nerve impulse is an electrical signal that travels along an axon. This is a rapid, transient, self-propagating electrical excitation of the membrane of neurons, or nerve cells. It is the fundamental mechanism of nerve and muscle cell excitation.

Mechanism

Nerve impulses are generated at the axon hillock of a neuron and are propagated down the axon to the axon terminals, where they trigger the release of neurotransmitters. This process is facilitated by the movement of ions such as sodium and potassium across the neuron's membrane, through specialized protein channels.

Related Terms

  • Resting potential: The electrical potential of a neuron or other excitable cell relative to its surroundings when not stimulated or involved in passage of an impulse.
  • Depolarization: A change within a cell, during which the cell undergoes a shift in electric charge distribution, resulting in less negative charge inside the cell.
  • Hyperpolarization: An increase in the cell's membrane potential, making it more negative and less likely to fire an action potential.
  • Refractory period: The period of time during which a neuron cannot generate another action potential.

See Also

External links

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