node of Ranvier

node of Ran·vier

noun \-ˈrän-vē-ˌā\

Definition of NODE OF RANVIER

: a small gap in the myelin sheath of a myelinated nerve fiber

Biographical Note for NODE OF RANVIER

Ran·vier \rȧⁿ-vyā\ , Louis–Antoine (1835–1922), French histologist. Ranvier was one of the foremost histologists of his time. He is credited with transforming histology from a descriptive into an experimental science. Most of his research focused on detailed nerve and skin structure. He discovered in 1871 the interruptions of the myelin sheaths, which are now known as the nodes of Ranvier. Ranvier also produced a major study on cicatrization. With the French bacteriologist André-Victor Cornil (1837–1908) he produced a manual of histopathology that ranks as one of the landmarks of medicine in the 19th century.