How does myelin increase speed?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the role of myelin in the nervous system and how it contributes to the conduction speed of nerve impulses. Specifically, it seeks to understand the mechanisms by which myelin sheaths enhance the transmission speed of signals along axons.
Answer
Myelin increases speed through saltatory conduction by acting as an electrical insulator.
The final answer is that myelin increases speed by acting as an electrical insulator, allowing the impulse to 'jump' between Nodes of Ranvier, a process called saltatory conduction.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that myelin increases speed by acting as an electrical insulator, allowing the impulse to 'jump' between Nodes of Ranvier, a process called saltatory conduction.
More Information
Saltatory conduction allows impulses to skip the insulated part of the axon and only depolarize at the Nodes of Ranvier, greatly speeding up impulse transmission.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking the impulse travels uniformly along the entire axon. Instead, it jumps between nodes.
Sources
- The web page with info on - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Myelin: A Specialized Membrane for Cell Communication - Nature - nature.com
- How does the myelin sheath increase the speed at which impulses move - Quora - quora.com
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