Nerve conduction

Nerve Conduction

Nerve conduction (pronunciation: /nɜːrv kənˈdʌkʃən/) is a medical term referring to the process by which electrical signals are transmitted along a neuron.

Etymology

The term "nerve conduction" is derived from the Latin words 'nervus' meaning 'sinew, nerve' and 'conductio' meaning 'a bringing together'.

Definition

Nerve conduction is the process by which electrical impulses are transmitted along the axon of a neuron. This process is crucial for the communication between neurons and the transmission of information within the nervous system.

Mechanism

The mechanism of nerve conduction involves a series of electrical and chemical events. An electrical impulse, or action potential, is generated at one end of the neuron. This impulse travels along the axon, causing a change in the electrical charge of the neuron's membrane. This change in charge triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which carry the signal across the synapse to the next neuron.