Saltatory conduction

Mechanism and function

Myelin supports rapid current spread between nodes. The signal appears to jump between nodes, although electrical currents spread through the membrane and axon between them.

Assessment and clinical implications

Demyelination may slow conduction or cause conduction block. Electrophysiological slowing requires specialist interpretation and does not automatically indicate spinal compression.

Points to consider

Neural transmission depends on complementary electrical and chemical properties. A cellular mechanism cannot be measured directly through posture examination. Electrophysiological investigations answer specific questions about nerve or muscle dysfunction.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Repolarization — Return of membrane potential toward more negative values after depolarization, forming part of the normal electrical cycle of excitable cells.
• Synaptic transmission — Transfer of information from a nerve cell to another cell at a synapse through chemical or electrical mechanisms.
• Depolarization — Shift in membrane potential toward a less negative value that may bring an excitable cell closer to action-potential threshold.

Medical references

1. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — Communication Between Neurons.
2. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Action Potential.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.