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Equivalent Pore Radius in the Axolemma of the Giant Axon of the Squid

Abstract

PREVIOUS work1,2 on the fine structure of the giant nerve fibre of the squid has revealed the existence of slit-like channels 60 Å. wide by 5.3µ long traversing the Schwann cell along a tortuous path the total length of which is 4.3µ. The axolemma itself is surrounded by a space 83 Å. wide. It has been demonstrated that no effective osmotic pressure can be developed across the Schwann cell layer. Hence the axolemma appears to be the barrier for osmotically induced flow into the axoplasm.

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VILLEGAS, R., BARNOLA, F. Equivalent Pore Radius in the Axolemma of the Giant Axon of the Squid. Nature 188, 762–763 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1038/188762b0

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