Science & Nature · 3
What is the speed-enhancing mechanism called that allows action potentials to jump along myelinated axons?
Answer
Saltatory conduction
Saltatory conduction is the fast, jumping transmission of action potentials along myelinated axons that reach velocities up to 150 m/s, compared to just 0.5-10 m/s in unmyelinated axons. The myelin sheath insulates the axon, and action potentials regenerate only at gaps called nodes of Ranvier. This is far more metabolically efficient because depolarization passively spreads under the myelin and actively regenerates only at the nodes.
💡 Did you know?
Saltatory conduction means your nervous system fires signals at speeds up to 250 mph—essential for fast reflexes and thought.
Other options people guess
- Continuous conduction
- Synaptic transmission
- Axial diffusion
Topics
- neuroscience
- nerve-impulses
- neurobiology
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