title: Excitable domains of myelinated nerves: axon initial segments and nodes of Ranvier.
abstract: Neurons are highly polarized cells. They can be subdivided into at least two structurally and functionally distinct domains: somatodendritic and axonal domains. The somatodendritic domain receives and integrates upstream input signals, and the axonal domain generates and relays outputs in the form of action potentials to the downstream target. Demand for quick response to the harsh surroundings prompted evolution to equip vertebrates' neurons with a remarkable glia-derived structure called myelin. Not only Insulating the axon, myelinating glia also rearrange the axonal components and elaborate functional subdomains along the axon. Proper functioning of all theses domains and subdomains is vital for a normal, efficient nervous system.
authors.affiliation: Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Kae-Jiun
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Matthew N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Rasband
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D011901:Ranvier's Nodes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D015221:Potassium Channels
keywords: Axon; Cell adhesion molecule; Cytoskeleton; Extracellular matrix; Ion channel; Myelin; Polarity