Nerve Fibres: Properties And Classification: Classification And Properties

What are Nerve Fibres?

Nerve fibres are vital elements of the nervous system that facilitate the transportation of electrical signals, or, in other words, nerve impulses across the body. They are essentially composed of axons which refer to the thread-like protrusions of nerve cells or, in other words, neurons. Knowledge of nerve fibre properties has to be gained or learned to the maximum extent by medical experts and scholars who are linked with medical studies to understand the neurological functions and disease diagnosis processes meticulously.

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This Story also Contains

1. What are Nerve Fibres?
2. Structure Of Nerve Fibres
3. Classification of Nerve Fibres
4. Properties Of Nerve Fibres

Structure Of Nerve Fibres

These are some of the critical structures of the axon are :

• Axoplasm: The axon's cytoplasm activates the transport of metabolic activities in the nerve

• Axolemma: Membrane that covers the axon. it is essential for the structural integrity of the nerve fiber

• Nodes of Ranvier: these are the intervals of myelin sheath along the axon. the nodes of Ranvier help the impulses to travel fast with saltatory conduction.

• Myelin Sheath: Myelin is a lipid material that wraps around the axon and is protective.

Diagram: Structure Of A Nerve Fibre

Classification of Nerve Fibres

Based on the main criteria:

Classification Of Nerve Fibres According To Diameter And Conduction Velocity

• Groups: A, B and C fibres that can be classified according to their diameter, degree of myelination, conduction velocity and the type of function.

Classification According To Function

• Sensory (Afferent) Fibres: Carry impulses from the sensory receptors to the Central Nervous System; the stimuli include pressure, temperature and pain.

• Motor (Efferent) Fibres: Convey impulses from the CNS to the muscles and glands. Controlling the muscles do motor functions and secretions of the glands.

Properties Of Nerve Fibres

The properties of nerve fibres have the following very basic inferences:

Conduction Velocity

• Fibre diameter and the extent of myelination are strong determinants of conduction velocity.

• A fibres conduct faster than the slower B and C fibres.

Refractory Periods

• The period during which a nerve fibre is not capable of conducting a second impulse after transmission of the first impulse.

• Ensures orderly conduction of nerve signals and prohibits overlap of impulses.

Conclusion

Nerve fibres are part of the nervous system and are associated with transmitting vital information between the brain and the spinal cord to the entire body. In this respect, adequate understanding regarding the structure, classification, and property of nerve fibres is wasteful for medical diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions. Continued investigation into the biology of nerve fibres guarantees an improvement in medical practice and a better understanding of human physiology.