Nodes Of Ranvier (Noun)
Meaning
Small gaps in the myelin sheath of medullated axons.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The nodes of Ranvier are critical regions along the axon where action potentials can be generated and propagated more efficiently.
- The myelin sheath surrounding the axon is interrupted at nodes of Ranvier, allowing ions to diffuse and propagate the action potential.
- As an action potential reaches the nodes of Ranvier, voltage-gated sodium channels open to facilitate depolarization and the continuation of the signal.
- In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes create compacted myelin sheaths that are interrupted by gaps at the nodes of Ranvier, enabling rapid impulse conduction.
- Demyelination can damage or destroy the nodes of Ranvier, severely impairing the transmission of nerve impulses along the axon.