Assignment on Nerve Fibre Classes

1. Write about your review of available literature on the different approaches in the
classification of nerve fiber

ANSWERS
A nerve fibre or axom is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, in
vertebrates, that typically conducts electrical impulses known as action potentials away
from the nerve cell body.

Nerve fibres are classified by six methods.

They are classified depending upon structure,upon distribution, upon origin, upon
function, upon secretion of neurotransmitter and depending upon the diameter and
conduction of impulses.
Classification depending on the the structure, nerve fibers are classified into two
types:
i. Myelinated Nerve Fibers
Myelinated nerve fibers are the nerve fibers that are
covered by myelin sheath.
ii. Non-myelinated Nerve Fibers
Non-​myelinated nerve fibers are the nerve fibers which
are not covered by myelin sheath.

DEPENDING UPON DISTRIBUTION

Nerve fibers are classified into two types, on the basis
of distribution:
i. Somatic Nerve Fibers
Somatic nerve fibers supply the skeletal muscles of the
body.
ii. Visceral or Autonomic Nerve Fibers
Autonomic nerve fibers supply the various internal
organs of the body.

DEPENDING UPON ORIGIN

On the basis of origin, nerve fibers are divided into two
types:
i. Cranial Nerve Fibers
Nerve fibers arising from brain are called cranial
nerve fibers.
ii. Spinal Nerve Fibers
Nerve fibers arising from spinal cord are called spinal
 nerve fibers.

DEPENDING UPON FUNCTION

Functionally, nerve fibers are classified into two types
Sensory Nerve Fibers
Sensory nerve fibers carry sensory impulses from
different parts of the body to the central nervous system.
These nerve fibers are also known as afferent nerve
fibers.
Motor Nerve Fibers
Motor nerve fibers carry motor impulses from central
nervous system to different parts of the body. These
nerve fibers are also called efferent nerve fibers.

DEPENDING UPON SECRETION

OF NEUROTRANSMITTER
Depending upon the neurotransmitter substance
secreted, nerve fibers are divided into two types:
Adrenergic Nerve Fibers
Adrenergic nerve fibers secrete noradrenaline.

References

1. Bear MF, Connors BW, Paradiso MA. The somatic sensory system. In: Bear MF,
Connors BW, Paradiso MA (Editions). Neuroscience: exploring the brain. Baltimore:
Williams and Wilkins, 1996: 308-345.
2. Gasser HS. The classification of nerve fibres. Ohio J Sci 1941;41:145-159.
3. Gasser HS. Effect of the method of leading on the recording of the nerve fibre spectrum.
J Gen Physiol 1960;43:927-940.
4. Parent A. Carpenters human neuroanatomy. 9th Edition. Baltimore: Williams and
Wilkin,1996.