(neuroscience) The plasma membrane of an axon.
Axolemma
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(′ak·sə′lem·ə)
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The cell surface membrane of an axon.
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The surface membrane of an axon.
| Wikipedia: Axolemma |
The axolemma is the portion of a cell membrane surrounding the axon of a neuron. It is responsible for maintaining the membrane potential of the neuron, and it contains ion channels through which ions can flow. When this occurs, the voltage inside the axon changes, and depolarization or hyperpolarization of the membrane can occur. Adequate depolarization can lead to an action potential, which travels down the axon in a self-propagating manner as more ion channels open due to stimulation by the influx of positive ions.[1]
If the axolemma is damaged, it becomes unable to perform its vital role of maintaining the concentration gradient of ions inside and outside of the cell. When ions move down their concentration gradient into the cell, they can cause a number of different cellular processes that may lead to cell damage or cell death.
References
- ^ Elaine N. Marieb and Katja Hoehn (2007). Human Anatomy & Physiology (7th Ed.). Pearson. pp. 393–412. ISBN 0-805-35909-5.
External links
- Axolemma at eMedicine Dictionary
- Histology at BU 22802loa
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 | Sci-Tech Dictionary. McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms. Copyright © 2003, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1978, 1976, 1974 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Sports Science and Medicine. The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. Copyright © Michael Kent 1998, 2006, 2007. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved. Read more |
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