Measuring Voltage Across the Blood-Brain Barrier: Is the Dermis a Barrier?

In summary, the conversation revolves around the confusion of terminology and functionality of the blood-brain barrier and the dermis in relation to nerve signal transmission. The question at hand is whether it is possible to measure the voltage used when transmitting from the blood-brain barrier to a particular muscle outside of the skin, and the answer is yes, through the use of electrodes. The question is recommended to be asked in a biology forum for more assistance.
  • #1
thisguy
7
0
Is there a way to measure the amount of voltage used when transmitting from the blood brain barrier to a particular muscle outside of the skin or is the dermis too thick?
 
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  • #2
thanks in advance for your input.
 
  • #3
Hmm, I am by no means knowledgeable in matters of biology, but it seems to me you are somewhat confused about at least the terminology, if not the functionality.
The blood-brain barrier has no direct relation to nerve signal transmission. Its function is to essentially be a screen for molecules that have no business being in the brain.
The dermis is just a fancy name for skin. It also has nothing to do with receiving muscle signals; those signals, as should be probably obvious, terminate in the muscle they are supposed to actuate.

Now, if your *actual* question is "how can you measure the voltage difference between the brain origin of the signal, and its terminus in the muscle, the simple answer is: electrodes.

If the question is, can you detect a nerve signal from outside the body, there's a lot of variables involved. Maybe a question better asked in a biology forum.
 
  • #4
I wish to measure the voltage terminating at the muscle from outside the skin.
 
  • #5
In contact with the skin, or not?
 
  • #6
I've moved this to the biology forum from General Physics, as it seems like it may require more assistance from our biology-knowledgeable members.
 

What is the sodium potassium barrier?

The sodium potassium barrier refers to the cell membrane's selective permeability to sodium and potassium ions, which helps regulate the balance of these ions inside and outside of the cell.

Why is the sodium potassium barrier important?

The sodium potassium barrier is crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of cells, as it helps generate electrical impulses and regulate the cell's osmotic pressure.

How does the sodium potassium barrier work?

The sodium-potassium pump, a protein complex located in the cell membrane, actively transports sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell using energy from ATP. This process helps maintain the concentration gradient of these ions across the cell membrane.

What happens if the sodium potassium barrier is disrupted?

If the sodium potassium barrier is disrupted, the cell may experience issues with generating electrical impulses and maintaining proper osmotic balance. This can lead to nerve and muscle dysfunction, as well as other health problems.

How is the sodium potassium barrier related to nerve impulses?

The sodium potassium barrier plays a vital role in generating nerve impulses by creating a concentration gradient of sodium and potassium ions. When a nerve impulse occurs, there is a rapid exchange of these ions across the cell membrane, causing a change in the electrical charge and propagating the impulse along the nerve cell.

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