EXCITABLE CELL Meaning and
Definition
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An excitable cell is a specialized type of cell found in living organisms, including animals and plants, that is capable of producing electrical signals or impulses in response to specific stimuli. These cells are involved in the coordination and communication within the body, allowing for various functions such as movement, sensation, and information processing.
The excitable cells are extensively present in the nervous system, where they form the basic units of communication known as neurons. Neurons receive and transmit information by generating and conducting electrical impulses, known as action potentials, along their length. These impulses allow for rapid and precise communication between different regions of the body.
Excitable cells can also be found in other systems of the body, such as muscle cells and sensory cells. Muscle cells, for example, are excitable cells that respond to electrical signals from neurons, causing contraction and movement. Sensory cells, on the other hand, are excitable cells that convert various stimuli, such as light or sound waves, into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system.
The excitability of these cells is primarily due to the presence of specialized proteins, called ion channels, in their membranes. These channels allow the movement of charged particles, known as ions, in and out of the cell, resulting in changes in electrical potential and the generation of electrical impulses.
Overall, excitable cells play a crucial role in the functioning of organisms by allowing for the transmission of information and facilitating appropriate responses to internal and external stimuli.
Common Misspellings for EXCITABLE CELL
- wxcitable cell
- sxcitable cell
- dxcitable cell
- rxcitable cell
- 4xcitable cell
- 3xcitable cell
- ezcitable cell
- eccitable cell
- edcitable cell
- escitable cell
- exxitable cell
- exvitable cell
- exfitable cell
- exditable cell
- excutable cell
- excjtable cell
- excktable cell
- excotable cell
- exc9table cell
- exc8table cell
Etymology of EXCITABLE CELL
The etymology of the term "excitable cell" involves understanding the origins and development of both the words "excitable" and "cell".
The word "excitable" originates from the Latin word "excitabilis", which is derived from the verb "excitare" meaning "to stimulate" or "to arouse". It refers to the characteristic of being easily stimulated or responsive to external influences.
The term "cell" has roots in the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "chamber". It was first used in this sense to describe the "monastic cell" or a small living quarters used by monks in secluded religious communities. This concept was later extended to describe the basic unit of life, as observed in plant and animal tissues.
When these two words are combined, "excitable cell" refers to a type of cell that is highly responsive to stimulation or able to conduct electrical impulses.
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