What is orthodromic coduction in a nerve?

[scilearner]

Hello everyone,

 

Ok I know this goes away from stoma, so why do myelinated nerves use only this type but not antidromic.Thanks

[SMF]

As a point of nomenclature, a "nerve" consists of a bundle of axons enclosed in a sheath. Both myelinated and unmyelinated axons are capable of conducting an action potential in both the orthodromic (also anterograde) and antidromic (also retrograde) directions. However, in almost all natural circumstances an action potential in both myelinated and unmyelinated axons progresses in the orthodromic direction, that is, from the neuron cell body down the axon to the synaptic terminal.SM

Edited January 13, 2011 by SMF