node of Ranvier

[ rahn-vyey, rahn-vyey ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a gap occurring at regular intervals between segments of myelin sheath along a nerve axon.

node of Ranvier

/ ˈrɑːnvɪˌeɪ /

noun

1. any of the gaps that occur at regular intervals along the length of the sheath of a myelinated nerve fibre, at which the axon is exposed

Word History and Origins

Origin of node of Ranvier¹

1880–85; after Louis-Antoine Ranvier (1835–1922), French histologist, who described it in 1878

Word History and Origins

Origin of node of Ranvier¹

C19: named after Louis-Antoine Ranvier (1835–1922), French histologist