What is the average conduction velocity of the median nerve in healthy adults?

The average conduction velocity of the median nerve in healthy adults is approximately 50 m/s. This velocity reflects the speed at which electrical impulses travel along myelinated nerve fibers. Myelination plays a crucial role in increasing conduction velocity through a process called saltatory conduction, where the impulse jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next, allowing signals to move more quickly compared to unmyelinated fibers.

In clinical practice, measuring the median nerve conduction velocity is important for diagnosing various conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Normal values typically fall within a range that centers around this average, which is an important benchmark for identifying abnormalities in nerve function.

The other possible values do not accurately represent the typical conduction velocity for this specific nerve in a healthy population. Values lower than 50 m/s would indicate potential nerve dysfunction, while values significantly higher may not be commonly observed in routine clinical assessments. Understanding this average helps clinicians evaluate and interpret nerve conduction studies more effectively.