nerve fibres
Conductors of impulses
Nerve fibres are the thread-like extensions of nerve cells that transmit electrical impulses throughout the nervous system.
Each fibre is essentially the long projection (axon) of a neuron, often bundled together to form nerves.
Some are wrapped in a fatty myelin sheath that speeds signal transmission.
Also spelled *nerve fibers* in American English.
Neuron's signal-sending projection
- dendriteNeuron's input branch
- myelinNerve fiber insulation
- nodes of RanvierGaps in nerve insulation
- neurogliaSupportive nervous system cells
astrocytes · microglia · ganglion · white matter · grey matter · fascicle · interneuron
Bodily or emotional distress
- touchPerceiving through physical contact
- temperatureMeasured heat intensity
- pressureForce upon contact
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
numbness · burning · ache · prickle · sensation · perception · stimulus · proprioception
Neuron's rapid electrical discharge
- depolarizationLoss of electrical gradient
- conductionHeat transfer through contact
- transmissionSending of information
- impulseSudden urge to act
signal · neurotransmitter · saltatory conduction · excitability · refractory period · threshold · propagation · efferent
Damage to peripheral nerves
- demyelinationNerve sheath degradation
- neuritisInflamed neural tissue disorder
- degenerationProgressive loss of function
- multiple sclerosisAutoimmune demyelinating neurological disease
Guillain-Barré · neuralgia · regeneration · polyneuropathy · carpal tunnel · sciatica
axon
Neuron's signal-sending projection
- dendriteNeuron's input branch
- myelinNerve fiber insulation
- nodes of RanvierGaps in nerve insulation
neuroglia · astrocytes · microglia · ganglion · white matter · grey matter · fascicle · interneuron
pain
Bodily or emotional distress
- touchPerceiving through physical contact
- temperatureMeasured heat intensity
- pressureForce upon contact
tingling · numbness · burning · ache · prickle · sensation · perception · stimulus · proprioception · mechanoreceptor
action potential
Neuron's rapid electrical discharge
- depolarizationLoss of electrical gradient
- conductionHeat transfer through contact
- transmissionSending of information
impulse · signal · neurotransmitter · saltatory conduction · excitability · refractory period · threshold · propagation · efferent · afferent
neuropathy
Damage to peripheral nerves
- demyelinationNerve sheath degradation
- neuritisInflamed neural tissue disorder
- degenerationProgressive loss of function
multiple sclerosis · Guillain-Barré · neuralgia · regeneration · polyneuropathy · carpal tunnel · sciatica