CATELECTROTONUS Meaning and
Definition
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Catelectrotonus refers to a concept in the field of neurophysiology that describes the changes in the electric potential of a neuron or a nerve fiber when it is subjected to a constant, weak electric current. It specifically characterizes the alterations in the resting membrane potential and excitability of the neuron in response to this external stimulus.
During catelectrotonus, the application of a subthreshold level of electric current to the neuron generates two different effects. The section of the neuron under direct influence of the current, known as the anode, experiences a hyperpolarization or an increase in its negative electric potential. On the other hand, the region of the neuron located farther from the current application, known as the cathode, goes through a depolarization or a decrease in its negative electric potential. These changes occur due to the variation in ion distribution and permeability across the neuron's membrane.
Furthermore, catelectrotonus has the capacity to modify the excitability of the neuron, affecting its responsiveness to subsequent stimuli. When catelectrotonus is induced in a neuron, it becomes more responsive to a subsequent stimulus in the same direction as the initial current application, while less responsive to a stimulus in the opposite direction. This phenomenon is known as anodal break excitation and cathodal break inhibition, respectively.
Overall, catelectrotonus plays a significant role in understanding the behavior and functionality of neurons in response to external electric currents, offering valuable insights into the electrochemical properties of the nervous system.
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The change of electrical irritability and conductivity in a nerve or muscle in the neighborhood of the cathode.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CATELECTROTONUS
- xatelectrotonus
- vatelectrotonus
- fatelectrotonus
- datelectrotonus
- cztelectrotonus
- cstelectrotonus
- cwtelectrotonus
- cqtelectrotonus
- carelectrotonus
- cafelectrotonus
- cagelectrotonus
- cayelectrotonus
- ca6electrotonus
- ca5electrotonus
- catwlectrotonus
- catslectrotonus
- catdlectrotonus
- catrlectrotonus
- cat4lectrotonus
Etymology of CATELECTROTONUS
The word "Catelectrotonus" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "kata", meaning "down" or "against", and "elektron", meaning "amber" or "electricity". "Tonos" refers to "tension" or "stretch". Therefore, "Catelectrotonus" can be roughly translated as "downward electrical tension" or "contra-electricity tension". It is a term used in physiology to describe the reduction in the excitability of a nerve fiber during the passage of a cathodic (negative) current.
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