Definition

A change in how sensitive and responsive a nerve or muscle is when an electric current flows through it.

Example

The doctor explained how electrotonus affects the nerve's ability to transmit signals during treatment.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of electrotonus in biology?

No, I haven’t! What is it?

It's the change in a nerve's sensitivity when an electric current passes through it.

That sounds interesting! I need to read more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Electrotonus is formed from "electro-" (from Greek "ēlektron", meaning amber or electricity) and "tonus" (from Latin "tonus", meaning tension or tone). The word refers to the state of tension or tone in a muscle or nerve that is influenced by electrical stimulation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'electricity' ('electro-') creating a state of 'tension' ('tonus') in muscles or nerves, which helps you remember that electrotonus relates to the effect of electrical stimulation on muscle tone.

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