Nerve endings
Nerve Endings
Nerve endings or nerve terminals are the final points of a neuron where electrical signals are transformed into chemical signals to communicate with other neurons or effector cells. They play a crucial role in the nervous system.
Pronunciation
Nerve Endings: /ˈnɜːrv ˈɛndɪŋz/
Etymology
The term "nerve endings" is derived from the Latin words 'nervus' meaning "sinew, nerve" and 'end' which is from Old English 'endian', meaning "to finish".
Types of Nerve Endings
There are several types of nerve endings, each with a specific function:
- Free nerve endings: These are the most common type of nerve ending, responsible for sensing pain and temperature.
- Encapsulated nerve endings: These nerve endings are encapsulated by connective tissue and are responsible for sensing pressure and vibration.
- Motor nerve endings: These nerve endings are found at the neuromuscular junction where they transmit signals to muscles.
Related Terms
- Neuron: The basic working unit of the nervous system which sends and receives signals from the brain.
- Nervous system: The network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body.
- Neuromuscular junction: The synapse or junction of the axon terminal of a motoneuron with the motor end plate, the highly-excitable region of muscle fiber plasma membrane responsible for initiation of action potentials across the muscle's surface, ultimately causing the muscle to contract.
- Synapse: The junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nerve endings
- Wikipedia's article - Nerve endings
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