Abstract:In the peripheral nervous system, nerve cell processes — both axons (neurites) and dendritic axons of sensory neurons — are surrounded by specialised glial cells, the cells of Schwann. The axon, its s...In the peripheral nervous system, nerve cell processes — both axons (neurites) and dendritic axons of sensory neurons — are surrounded by specialised glial cells, the cells of Schwann. The axon, its sheath of Schwann cells and the surrounding basal lamina form the impulse conducting structures, the nerve fibres, classified in myelinated and unmyelinated types with respect to the presence or absence of a myelin sheath (cf. Fig. 162). Along myelinated nerve fibres, conduction of impulses is fast, since the myelin sheath forms an insulating layer, and the impulse "jumps" from one intercellular region free of myelin to the next myelin-free region (cf. Fig. 163). In nerve fibres lacking a myelin sheath, the nerve impulses move continuously and less rapidly. Unmyelinated axons include most of the postganglionic axons from autonomic ganglia.Read More
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 1
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