Pronunciation: [fˈɪbɹiː] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word is "fibrae", which is spelled using the Latin alphabet. In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "fibrae" is /ˈfɪ.braɪ/. The word is derived from the Latin word "fibra", which means "fiber". "Fibr-" is the root word, and the "-ae" suffix indicates that the word is in the plural form. "Fibrae" is often used in the medical field to refer to muscle fibers or nerve fibers.
Fibrae, also known as nerve fibers or nerve fibres, are slender, elongated structures that form the basis for transmitting nerve signals throughout the body. They are specialized extensions of neurons, which are the basic building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting, receiving, and processing electrical and chemical information.
These fibers can be found within the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, as well as the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which consists of nerves that extend throughout the body. Fibrae can be classified into two main types: afferent and efferent fibers.
Afferent fibers, also known as sensory fibers, transmit signals from sensory organs or receptors to the CNS, allowing us to perceive and respond to sensory information such as touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception (awareness of body position). Efferent fibers, on the other hand, are involved in transmitting signals from the CNS to various tissues, organs, and muscles, allowing for voluntary and involuntary movements, as well as the regulation of bodily functions.
Fibrae are often myelinated, meaning they are surrounded by a fatty substance called myelin that acts as an insulator, enabling faster conduction of nerve impulses. However, some fibers may also be unmyelinated, which affects their conduction speed.
Understanding the structure and function of fibrae is crucial in comprehending the complexities of the nervous system and its role in maintaining bodily functions and coordinating various physiological processes.
Fibers, whether nervous, muscular, or tendinous.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "fibrae" is a plural form of the Latin word "fibra". The term "fibra" originally referred to a thin thread or fiber, especially one taken from a plant or an animal. It can be traced back to the Latin verb "fiō", meaning "to be made or produced", which is also related to the Latin noun "fīlum", meaning "thread" or "filament". Over time, "fibra" came to be used more broadly to describe various types of fibers, including those found in textiles, nerves, or muscles. In modern English, "fibrae" is sometimes used to refer to fibers or fiber-like structures found in biological or anatomical contexts.
