Axolemma
Axolemma
Axolemma (/æksəˈlɛmə/) is the outer layer or membrane of an axon, the long thread-like part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted from the cell body to other cells.
Etymology
The term "axolemma" is derived from two Greek words: "axon" which means axis, and "lemma" which means husk or peel.
Structure
The axolemma is composed of a lipid bilayer which is semi-permeable, allowing certain molecules to pass through while blocking others. It is responsible for maintaining the membrane potential of the neuron, and it plays a crucial role in the conduction of action potentials.
Function
The axolemma's primary function is to serve as a barrier, maintaining the internal environment of the axon and protecting it from the surrounding extracellular fluid. It also plays a key role in the conduction of electrical impulses along the axon, a process known as saltatory conduction.
Related Terms
- Axon: The long, slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.
- Myelin: An insulating layer, or sheath, that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord.
- Nodes of Ranvier: Small gaps in the insulating myelin sheath of a nerve cell axon that allow the action potential to jump from node to node, speeding the conduction of the electrical impulse.
- Saltatory Conduction: The propagation of action potentials along myelinated axons from one node of Ranvier to the next node, increasing the conduction velocity of action potentials.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Axolemma
- Wikipedia's article - Axolemma
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