Chemcial anatomy of the nerve membrane.

The molecular mechanisms involved in the generation and conduction of nerve impulses are still matters for conjecture. The molecular models which have been developed to explain the structure of nerve membrane are reviewed. The chemical composition of the axolemma and how this compares with other membranes is discussed. Modern spectroscopic techniques allow the measurement of non-electrical dynamic changes that occur during nerve conduction. These indicate that the chemical components of nerve membrane are in a very fluid state. Detailed knowledge of the kinds of molecules involved is necessary to understand properly both nerve conduction and nerve block.