Hereditary neuropathies are diseases of the peripheral nerves that are genetically passed from parent to child. The most common of these is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1. It is characterized by weakness in the legs and, to a lesser degree, the arms -- symptoms that usually appear between mid-childhood and age 30.
1 Chlorine ions are colored yellow in the VRML model. 2  Sodium (Na +) and potassium (K +) are positive ions. 3  They are found on both sides of the membrane. 4  Na + ions are in greater concentration outside the neuron whereas K + ions are more concentrated inside the neuron. 5  Na + ions are colored pink in the VRML model.
Neurons actually have a pretty strong negative charge inside them, in contrast to a positive charge outside. This is due to other molecules called anions. They are negatively charged, but are way too big to leave through any channel. They stay put and give the cell a negative charge inside. So, when an axon is at rest, the anions give it a negative charge, the sodium pumps keep sodium out and potassium in, and the sodium gates and potassium gates are all closed.