Nodes of Ranvier

Nodes of Ranvier are small gaps in the myelin sheath where an axon is exposed. They are named after the French anatomist Louis-Antoine Ranvier, who first described them in 1878. Nodes of Ranvier play a crucial role in the conduction of nerve impulses in neurons.

Structure

Nodes of Ranvier are typically about 1 micrometer in diameter and are spaced at intervals along the axon. They are located between segments of the myelin sheath, which is produced by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.

Function

The primary function of the Nodes of Ranvier is to facilitate the rapid conduction of nerve impulses. This is achieved through a process known as saltatory conduction, in which the nerve impulse jumps from one Node of Ranvier to the next, rather than traveling along the entire length of the axon. This significantly increases the speed at which the nerve impulse is conducted.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the Nodes of Ranvier can lead to a number of neurological disorders. For example, in multiple sclerosis, the myelin sheath and the Nodes of Ranvier are damaged, leading to a slowing of nerve conduction and a range of symptoms including muscle weakness and coordination problems.

See also

• Myelin
• Axon
• Nerve conduction
• Saltatory conduction
• Multiple sclerosis

References

Nodes of Ranvier Resources
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