KATELECTROTONUS Meaning and
Definition
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Katelectrotonus refers to a phenomenon observed in the field of neurophysiology and specifically concerns the electrical activity of neurons. It refers to the increase in excitability or conductance of a neuron's membrane when it is negatively charged. More specifically, it describes the enhanced responsiveness of a neuron to depolarizing stimuli when the membrane is hyperpolarized.
When a neuron's membrane is in a hyperpolarized state, meaning it has a more negative resting potential than usual, katelectrotonus occurs. This negative resting potential causes an increase in the electrotonic length constant, which indicates a greater ability for an electrical signal to propagate along the neuron's membrane. Consequently, this enhances the neuron's responsiveness to incoming stimuli and enhances its ability to transmit electrical signals.
The phenomenon of katelectrotonus has significant implications for understanding the functioning of the nervous system. By studying the effects of hyperpolarization and its impact on a neuron's responsiveness, researchers can gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of neuronal communication. This knowledge is crucial in understanding various physiological and pathological processes within the nervous system.
Overall, katelectrotonus refers to the increased excitability and conductance of a neuron's membrane when it is in a hyperpolarized state. This phenomenon is vital to the study of neuronal function and contributes to our understanding of the complex processes that occur within the nervous system.
Common Misspellings for KATELECTROTONUS
- Katalectrotonus
- Katalectrotonis
- Katalectrotomus
- Katellactrotonus
- Katellectrotonus
- Katellectrotonis
- Katelectrotomus
- Katelectrotomis
- Kattalectrotonus
Etymology of KATELECTROTONUS
The word "katelectrotonus" is derived from two Greek words: "katá" and "ēlektron".
- "Katá" (κατά) means "down" or "against" in Greek.
- "Ēlektron" (ἤλεκτρον) means "amber" or "electricity" in Greek.
The term "katelectrotonus" is typically used in the field of electrophysiology to describe a state of reduced excitability in a nerve or muscle fiber due to the influence of an electric current.
