ELECTROTONUS Meaning and
Definition
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Electrotonus is a term used in physiology to describe the electrical changes that occur in nerve or muscle fibers in response to electrical stimulation. It refers to the alteration in the membrane potential of a neuron or muscle cell as a result of the flow of current across its surface.
Electrotonus occurs due to the passive spread of the electrical current from the stimulated region to the neighboring regions through the flow of ions across the cell membrane. This spread of current can either depolarize or hyperpolarize the membrane potential, depending on the characteristics of the stimulus.
During electrotonus, the membrane potential changes gradually along the length of the cell, resulting in a decremental conduction. The degree of electrotonic spread and the magnitude of the potential change depend on various factors, including the strength and duration of the stimulus, the electrical properties of the cell membrane, and the distance from the stimulation site.
Electrotonus plays a crucial role in the conduction of electrical signals in nerve fibers as it helps to propagate the electrical impulse along the length of the neuron. It also contributes to the regulation of muscle contraction and relaxation by influencing the excitability of muscle fibers.
Overall, electrotonus is a physiological phenomenon that describes the alteration in membrane potential in response to the flow of electrical current, playing a significant role in the transmission of electrical signals in nerves and the regulation of muscle function.
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The condition of tonus in a muscle or nerve caused by the passage through it of an electrical current.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ELECTROTONUS
- wlectrotonus
- slectrotonus
- dlectrotonus
- rlectrotonus
- 4lectrotonus
- 3lectrotonus
- ekectrotonus
- epectrotonus
- eoectrotonus
- elwctrotonus
- elsctrotonus
- eldctrotonus
- elrctrotonus
- el4ctrotonus
- el3ctrotonus
- elextrotonus
- elevtrotonus
- eleftrotonus
- eledtrotonus
Etymology of ELECTROTONUS
The word "Electrotonus" is derived from the Greek roots "electro-" meaning "related to electricity" and "tonos" meaning "tension" or "tone". Thus, "Electrotonus" refers to the state of tension or tone created by electricity or by electric stimulation in biological tissues or cells.
Similar spelling words for ELECTROTONUS
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