ELECTROTONICITY Meaning and
Definition
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Electrotonicity is a term primarily used in the field of neurophysiology and refers to the ability of an electric current to passively spread through a conducting medium, specifically in relation to nerve fibers or cells. It describes the property of nervous tissue to allow the transmission of electrical signals along its length.
More specifically, electrotonicity is the phenomenon where for a nerve fiber or cell membrane, there is a conduction of current by passive spread, resulting in a change in the potential difference across the membrane. This spread occurs due to the opening and closing of ion channels within the membrane. It involves the polarization of the electric field in the medium surrounding the nerve fiber or cell, which in turn influences neighboring areas of the membrane to undergo electrical changes.
This phenomenon is essential for the propagation of electrical signals along the length of a neuron or along a network of interconnected cells in the nervous system. Electrotonicity allows for the rapid and efficient transmission of electrical impulses within the body, facilitating functions such as sensory perception, motor control, and information processing.
In summary, electrotonicity refers to the passive spread of electrical current through nerve fibers or cell membranes, enabling the transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system.
Common Misspellings for ELECTROTONICITY
- wlectrotonicity
- slectrotonicity
- dlectrotonicity
- rlectrotonicity
- 4lectrotonicity
- 3lectrotonicity
- ekectrotonicity
- epectrotonicity
- eoectrotonicity
- elwctrotonicity
- elsctrotonicity
- eldctrotonicity
- elrctrotonicity
- el4ctrotonicity
- el3ctrotonicity
- elextrotonicity
- elevtrotonicity
- eleftrotonicity
- eledtrotonicity
- elecrrotonicity
Etymology of ELECTROTONICITY
The word "electrotonicity" is derived from the combination of two terms: "electro" and "tonicity".
"Electro" is originated from the Greek word "ēlektron", which means "amber" or "amber-like substance". In ancient times, the Greeks discovered that rubbing amber against fur generated a static charge, which led to the term "electricity" being associated with the phenomena related to the attraction of lightweight objects after being rubbed with amber.
"Tonicity" is derived from the Latin word "tonus", meaning "tension" or "tone". It is commonly used in scientific and medical contexts to refer to the response of cells or tissues to changes in fluid concentration, mainly to describe the osmotic pressure or the ability to maintain shape and structural integrity.
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