Some Physico‐Mathematical Aspects of Nerve Conduction. II

摘要

In continuation of a previous paper, the equation of propagation of a nerve impulse is studied now under more general assumptions about the physical mechanism of excitation. Instead of H. A. Blair's excitation formula, used previously, a more general formula, proposed by the author elsewhere and having several advantages, is considered. It is found in this case, that the velocity of propagation is notstrictlyconstant, but tends asymptotically to a constant value. This asymptotic value is reached practically within 10−3sec. after the propagation of the impulse begins, and the initial velocity is only slightly different from the asymptotic value. The expression for this asymptotic value is in the first approximation identical with the expression deduced previously, and inasmuch as the latter was found to agree with experimental data, the same remains in the present case.