Structure and Function of the Nerve Cell Membrane

Overview

Cell membrane represents one of the most important structures of the living matter. This unique outlining and intracellular system enables and forms compartmentalisation of molecules and ions. It is responsible for the formation of specialised, specific and for the life decisive features. Function of the plasma membrane of the nerve cell does not differ in principle from membranes of other cells and fulfils all general functions of the cell membrane. Specialisation during phylogeny brought about specific development of some functions (fast transmission of information, integrative functions, memory). Nerve cell membrane also participates in the mechanism of functional and structural plasticity.

Key words:
cell membrane, phospholipid bilayer, membrane fluidity, membrane function, plasticity.