How does myelination affect the speed of impulse transmission in neurons?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the impact of myelination on the speed at which nerve impulses travel within neurons. Myelination is the process where a fatty layer (myelin sheath) insulates the axon of a neuron. Understanding how this insulation affects the transmission of electrical signals is the core of the question.
Answer
Myelination increases the speed of impulse transmission by insulating the axon and enabling saltatory conduction.
Myelination significantly increases the speed of impulse transmission in neurons by insulating the axon and enabling saltatory conduction. This process allows electrical signals to jump between Nodes of Ranvier, rather than travel continuously along the axon, resulting in faster communication.
Answer for screen readers
Myelination significantly increases the speed of impulse transmission in neurons by insulating the axon and enabling saltatory conduction. This process allows electrical signals to jump between Nodes of Ranvier, rather than travel continuously along the axon, resulting in faster communication.
More Information
Myelin is formed by specialized cells called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Damage to myelin can lead to neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis.
Tips
A common mistake is to think that myelination increases the strength of the signal. Instead, it increases the speed at which the signal travels.
Sources
- Myelin: A Specialized Membrane for Cell Communication - nature.com
- Increased Conduction Velocity as a Result of Myelination - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Myelin Sheath: What It Is, Purpose & Function - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
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