Branching Law for Axons

Details Branching Law for Axons Branching Law for Axons

2003-02-12

arxiv.org/abs/physics/0302039v1

Physics

Biological Physics

8 pages, 4 figures

Scientific paper

What determines the caliber of axonal branches? We pursue the hypothesis that the axonal caliber has evolved to minimize signal propagation delays, while keeping arbor volume to a minimum. We show that for a general cost function the optimal diameters of mother ($d_0$) and daughter ($d_1$, $d_2$) branches at a bifurcation obey a branching law: $d_{0}^{\nu+2}=d_{1}^{\nu+2} + d_{2}^{\nu+2}$. The derivation relies on the fact that the conduction speed scales with the axon diameter to the power $\nu$ ($\nu=1$ for myelinated axons and $\nu=0.5$ for non-myelinated axons). We test the branching law on the available experimental data and find a reasonable agreement.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Branching Law for Axons does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Branching Law for Axons, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Branching Law for Axons will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-439781