närve

Närve is a term used in some Nordic-language contexts to denote a nerve, the basic unit of the peripheral nervous system. In biology, nerves are bundles of axons that transmit electrical signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. A nerve is wrapped in connective tissue layers: endoneurium around each axon, perineurium surrounding fascicles, and epineurium around the whole nerve.

Most nerves carry sensory fibers, motor fibers, or both (mixed nerves). In the peripheral nervous system, axons are often myelinated by Schwann cells, which increases conduction speed; saltatory conduction occurs at the nodes of Ranvier. Signals travel as electrical impulses and are translated into actions at muscles or other targets via chemical signaling at synapses.

Nerve problems arise from trauma, compression, diabetes, inflammation, or autoimmune processes. Injuries are commonly described as neurapraxia, axonotmesis, or neurotmesis, reflecting the degree of damage. Symptoms can include numbness, weakness, pain, or loss of function in the affected region. Diagnosis uses clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography. Treatments range from conservative approaches—pain management and physical therapy—to surgical intervention for decompression, repair, or grafting. Peripheral nerves can regenerate to some extent after injury, but regeneration is slow and limited; the central nervous system has far more restricted regenerative capacity.

See also: Peripheral nervous system, Nerve conduction studies, Neuropathy. The term “närve” may appear in certain Nordic-language contexts as the word for nerve, with usage varying by language and region.