<p><b>Introduction to ideas</b></p>
<p>This series of programs is designed to illustrate some of the properties of nerves and uses the FROG SCIATIC NERVE preparation as a model.</p><p>The sciatic nerve of the frog consists of two or more spinal nerves which are normally distinguishable as separate bundles of fibres.</p><p>Each of the bundles is a large collection of individual nerve fibres, both sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent), i.e. a MIXED NERVE. Also the individual fibres within bundles will have different characteristics:</p>
<ul><li>diameter</li><li>degree of myelination</li><li>threshold of excitation</li><li>conduction velocity</li></ul>
<p>It is important to remember that the action potentials recorded are the result of the combined activity in all these individual fibres. Such recordings are of COMPOUND (NERVE) ACTION POTENTIALS.</p><p>Note: The response of the nerve is amplified (x 1000).</p>