nerve impulse

noun

: the progressive physicochemical change in the membrane of a nerve fiber that follows stimulation and serves to transmit a record of sensation from a receptor or an instruction to act to an effector

called also nervous impulse

Examples of nerve impulse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aids with muscle function, blood clotting, nerve impulse transmission, hormone secretion and enzyme activation. —Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 25 June 2024

Electrolytes Electrolytes are particles your body needs for processes like contracting muscles, hydration, conducting nerve impulses, and regulating pH levels. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 July 2024

In fact, prostaglandins are produced throughout the body and serve to regulate blood pressure and circulation, body temperature, the transmission of nerve impulses, allergic reactions, inflammation, and muscle and uterine contractions, among other functions. —Emily Langer, Washington Post, 11 July 2024

Helps to maintain a steady heartbeat and send nerve impulses. —Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 25 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nerve impulse

noun

: the change in electrical charge that moves along the nerve fiber of a neuron in response to a stimulus (as pain) and serves to transmit a record of sensation from a receptor to the spinal cord or brain, relay a signal to another neuron, or carry an instruction to act to a muscle or gland

Medical Definition

nerve impulse

noun

variants also nervous impulse

: an electrical signal that travels along a nerve fiber in response to a stimulus and serves to transmit a record of sensation from a receptor or an instruction to act to an effector : the propagation of an action potential along the length of a neuron

Note: A nerve impulse occurs when a stimulus exceeds a certain threshold resulting in the movement of positively charged sodium ions across the cell membrane of a neuron so that the electrical charges inside and outside the membrane are temporarily reversed.