node of Ranvier

noun phrase node of Ran·vier \ -ˈräⁿ-vē-ˌā \

Definition of node of Ranvier

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

Origin and Etymology of node of ranvier

Louis A. Ranvier †1922 French histologist

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1876

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

node of Ranvier

noun node of Ran·vier \ -ˈrän-vē-ˌā \

medical Definition of node of Ranvier

: a small gap in the myelin sheath of a myelinated axon

Biographical Note for node of ranvier

Ranvier play \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.