NERVE FIBRE Meaning and
Definition
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Nerve fibres, also known as nerve fibers, are slender, elongated structures that make up the functional units of the nervous system. They are specialized extensions of neurons, or nerve cells, responsible for transmitting electrical impulses throughout the body. Nerve fibres play a central role in the rapid communication between different parts of the body, allowing for coordinated movement, sensation, and control of bodily functions.
These fibres consist of a long, slender thread-like structure composed mainly of two specialized parts: the axon and the myelin sheath. The axon is the main conducting component, responsible for carrying nerve impulses away from the neuron's cell body. It is enclosed and protected by the myelin sheath, a fatty, insulating layer produced by special supporting cells called Schwann cells. The myelin sheath acts as an electrical insulator, allowing nerve impulses to propagate rapidly along the fibre by jumping from one node of Ranvier to another, a process known as saltatory conduction.
Nerve fibres can be classified into two main types based on their diameter and myelination status: myelinated and unmyelinated fibres. Myelinated fibres are generally larger in diameter and covered by a myelin sheath, enabling them to carry impulses faster. On the other hand, unmyelinated fibres have a smaller diameter and lack the protective myelin sheath, resulting in slower conduction.
Overall, nerve fibres are essential for transmitting signals within the nervous system, allowing for smooth functioning and coordination of various bodily activities. Their structural and functional properties contribute to efficient communication between nerve cells and are crucial for maintaining overall health and normal bodily functioning.
Common Misspellings for NERVE FIBRE
- berve fibre
- merve fibre
- jerve fibre
- herve fibre
- nwrve fibre
- nsrve fibre
- ndrve fibre
- nrrve fibre
- n4rve fibre
- n3rve fibre
- neeve fibre
- nedve fibre
- nefve fibre
- netve fibre
- ne5ve fibre
- ne4ve fibre
- nerce fibre
- nerbe fibre
- nerge fibre
Etymology of NERVE FIBRE
The word "nerve" originates from the Latin word "nervus", meaning "sinew, tendon" or "nerve". It was subsequently adopted into Old French as "nerve" with the same meaning. The term was eventually borrowed into Middle English, remaining virtually unchanged in its meaning.
The term "fibre" can be traced back to the Latin word "fibra", meaning "a thread" or "fiber". It was later adopted into Old French as "fibre" and eventually made its way into English.
Therefore, when combined, "nerve fibre" essentially refers to the thread-like structure that constitutes a nerve.
Similar spelling words for NERVE FIBRE
- Gelatinous nerve-fibre,
- motor nerve-fibre,
- Medullated nerve-fiber,
- nerve fiber,
- Non-medullated nerve-fiber.
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