NEURAL EXCITABILITY Meaning and
Definition
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Neural excitability refers to the capability of neurons (nerve cells) to generate and propagate electrical impulses, known as action potentials or nerve impulses. It is a fundamental property of neurons that allows them to transmit information in the form of electrical signals throughout the nervous system.
Neurons possess specialized structures, called excitable membranes, which are capable of rapidly changing their electrical potential when stimulated. This excitability is the result of ion channels located within the cell membrane, which can open or close in response to various factors such as neurotransmitters, voltage changes, or mechanical stimulation.
During the resting state, neurons have a polarized membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside the cell compared to the outside. When a neuron receives a stimulus that exceeds a certain threshold, it causes a brief depolarization of the cell membrane, allowing positive ions such as sodium to flow inside the cell. This depolarization triggers a series of events that propagate the electrical signal along the neuron, leading to an action potential that travels through the axon to eventually communicate with other neurons or effector cells in the body.
The level of neural excitability can vary depending on factors such as the neuron's activation state, the concentration of neurotransmitters, or even genetic factors. It is crucial for various physiological processes such as sensory perception, motor control, and information processing within the brain. Alterations in neural excitability can lead to neurological disorders, such as epilepsy or hypersensitivity to pain, highlighting the importance of studying and understanding this concept.
Common Misspellings for NEURAL EXCITABILITY
- beural excitability
- meural excitability
- jeural excitability
- heural excitability
- nwural excitability
- nsural excitability
- ndural excitability
- nrural excitability
- n4ural excitability
- n3ural excitability
- neyral excitability
- nehral excitability
- nejral excitability
- neiral excitability
- ne8ral excitability
- ne7ral excitability
- neueal excitability
- neudal excitability
- neufal excitability
- neutal excitability
Etymology of NEURAL EXCITABILITY
The term "neural excitability" is derived from two separate origins.
The word "neural" originates from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve". The term was first coined by the German anatomist Heinrich Wilhelm Waldeyer in the 19th century to describe the cells that make up the nervous system. Over time, "neuron" evolved into "neural" to describe anything related to the nerves or nervous system.
The term "excitability" comes from the Latin word "excitare", which means "to stir up" or "to rouse". In the context of neurology, "excitability" refers to the property of neurons and nerve cells to respond to stimuli. It describes the ability of neurons to become electrically active and generate electrical signals in response to various inputs.
