ANTIDROMIC POTENTIALS Meaning and
Definition
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Antidromic potentials refer to the neural electrical signals that propagate in the opposite direction to the normal conduction of nerve impulses along a neuron. It is a phenomenon that occurs when an electrical stimulus is applied to a nerve fiber or neuron at a location distal to the cell body, leading to the emergence of action potentials that propagate in the reverse direction.
In healthy nerve conduction, action potentials are initiated at the cell body or axon hillock and travel along the axon towards the synapses and target cells. However, under certain circumstances, such as in nerve pathology or during experimental procedures, electrical stimulation applied distally to the axon can generate action potentials that propagate in the opposite direction, towards the cell body. This reversal of conduction is referred to as antidromic propagation.
Antidromic potentials have notable characteristics that distinguish them from orthodromic (normal) action potentials. For instance, antidromic potentials often have lower amplitudes and slower propagation velocities compared to their orthodromic counterparts. Additionally, the threshold for eliciting antidromic potentials is often higher, requiring stronger or prolonged electrical stimulation.
Antidromic potentials have been utilized in neurophysiological research and clinical diagnostic procedures. For example, in nerve conduction studies, antidromic potentials can be used to evaluate the nerve's response to electrical stimulation, allowing clinicians to assess nerve function and identify potential abnormalities or peripheral neuropathies.
Common Misspellings for ANTIDROMIC POTENTIALS
- zntidromic potentials
- sntidromic potentials
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- abtidromic potentials
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Etymology of ANTIDROMIC POTENTIALS
The word "antidromic" is derived from the Greek words "anti", meaning "against" or "opposite", and "dromos", meaning "a running". It refers to the phenomenon where an electrical impulse travels in the opposite direction than usual along a nerve or muscle fiber.
The word "potentials" simply refers to electrical potentials or the electrical activity occurring within a biological system.
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