Measurement of the Action Potential of Myelinated Nerve Fiber

Abstract

A single motor fiber was isolated from the sciatic nerve of the bullfrog, Rana catesbiana. Action potential at the membrane of a single node was accurately recorded by mounting the fiber internode as a micro-electrode extension, connected directly to the grid of a special negative capacitance high impedance amplifier. Peak values of the action potential developed at the node of Ranvier in such preparations ranged from 97-110mv. Action potential was found to be independent of temperature between 14 and 25[degree]C. Results support the local circuit theory of nervous conduction.