From Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia.
The axolemma is the
membrane of a
neuron's
axon. It is responsible for
maintaining the
cell's
membrane potential, and it
contains
channels through which
ions can flow. This changes
the
voltage inside the axon and
can
depolarize or
hyperpolarize the cell.
Adequate depolarization will lead
to an
action potential, which will
travel down the axon in a
self-propagating manner, as more
ion channels open due to
stimulation by the influx of
positive ions.
If the axolemma is damaged, it
becomes unable to perform its
vital role of maintaining the
concentration gradient of ions
on the outside of the cell. When
these ions rush down their
gradient into the cell, they can
cause a number of different
cellular processes that lead to
cellular damage and sometimes
death.
Neuroscience is a field
of study which deals with the
structure, function,
development,
genetics,
biochemistry,
physiology,
pharmacology and
pathology of the
nervous system. The study of
behavior and
learning is also a division of
neuroscience.
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For more information, see
the article about
Axolemma.
