Nerve impulse

Abstract

Scope of Study: This report has been undertaken as a comprehensive study of the physiology of the nerve impulse. However, to fully understand the physiology of the impulse, it is necessary to understand the physiochemical characteristics of the neuron in a resting state. Therefore, a chapter has been included dealing with the subject of a resting neuron. The physiological aspect of the nerve impulse is discussed with regard to three manifestations of an impulse: (1) electrical manifestations of an impulse; (2) chemical manifestations of an impulse; and (3) thermal manifestations of an impulse. A brief over-all discussion of the proposed theories of the mechanism of the nerve impulse is included in the final chapter of the report.

Findings of the Study: There is much literature available dealing with the neuron in books, research articles, and journals. Throughout the literature one finds rather close agreement on the discussions of the physiochemical properties of the resting neuron and the manifestations of an impulse. What has been written is generally based on sound experimental findings and has been substantiated by subsequent findings. However, when the subject of the nerve mechanism is reached, there is a wide divergence of opinions. This is a wide open field for experimenters. At the present time, the 'sodium hypothesis' is most widely accepted as the framework within which there are many proposed theories for the actual mechanism of operation. It will probably be several years before this question of the human body, i.e., by what mechanism does the neuron transmit an impulse, will be answered. Nevertheless, there is a great deal of research and experimentation taking place at the present trying to uncover the answer.