Nerve fibre

Nerve fibre or nerve fiber is a threadlike extension of a neuron and is a fundamental component of the nervous system. Nerve fibres are responsible for transmitting electrical impulses across the body. They are classified into three types based on their function and structure: Afferent nerve fibres, Efferent nerve fibres, and Interneurons.

Structure

A nerve fibre consists of a cell body and a long, thin extension known as an axon. The axon is covered by a fatty layer called the myelin sheath, which insulates the nerve fibre and speeds up the transmission of electrical impulses. The gaps in the myelin sheath are known as Nodes of Ranvier, which play a crucial role in the conduction of nerve impulses.

Types of Nerve Fibres

Afferent Nerve Fibres

Afferent nerve fibres, also known as sensory nerve fibres, carry sensory information from the body's tissues and organs to the central nervous system. They are responsible for transmitting information about temperature, pain, touch, and other sensory stimuli.

Efferent Nerve Fibres

Efferent nerve fibres, also known as motor nerve fibres, carry signals from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands. These fibres are responsible for initiating actions such as muscle contraction and gland secretion.

Interneurons

Interneurons, or association neurons, connect afferent and efferent nerve fibres in the central nervous system. They play a crucial role in processing and interpreting sensory information and deciding on an appropriate response.

Function

Nerve fibres play a crucial role in the functioning of the nervous system. They transmit electrical impulses, or action potentials, from one part of the body to another. This allows the body to respond to stimuli, control bodily functions, and carry out complex tasks.

See Also

• Neuron
• Nervous system
• Axon
• Myelin sheath
• Nodes of Ranvier