What type of conduction occurs in myelinated axons?

What type of conduction occurs in myelinated axons?

• A. Continuous conduction
• B. Saltatory conduction
• C. Local conduction
• D. Electrical conduction

Answer: (B)

Myelinated axons utilize saltatory conduction, a mechanism that significantly enhances the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission along the nerve fiber. In myelinated axons, the insulating myelin sheath is periodically interrupted at nodes of Ranvier. This allows the action potential to “jump” from one node to the next rather than propagating continuously. As a result, the electrical impulses can travel much faster than in unmyelinated axons, where continuous conduction occurs. In continuous conduction, the action potential must propagate along every segment of the membrane, making it slower due to the continuous need for depolarization and repolarization across the entire axon length. Therefore, the unique structure of myelinated axons, with myelin sheaths and nodes, is what facilitates saltatory conduction, enabling rapid and efficient communication within the nervous system.

Myelinated axons utilize saltatory conduction, a mechanism that significantly enhances the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission along the nerve fiber. In myelinated axons, the insulating myelin sheath is periodically interrupted at nodes of Ranvier. This allows the action potential to “jump” from one node to the next rather than propagating continuously.

As a result, the electrical impulses can travel much faster than in unmyelinated axons, where continuous conduction occurs. In continuous conduction, the action potential must propagate along every segment of the membrane, making it slower due to the continuous need for depolarization and repolarization across the entire axon length.

Therefore, the unique structure of myelinated axons, with myelin sheaths and nodes, is what facilitates saltatory conduction, enabling rapid and efficient communication within the nervous system.