A long, myelinated axon lacking nodes of Ranvier would probably:
A) propagate nerve impulses faster than one with nodes of Ranvier.
B) propagate impulses at the same rate as one with nodes of Ranvier.
C) not propagate nerve impulses more slowly than one with nodes of Ranvier.
D) propagate nerve impulses backward.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath where the axon is exposed. These nodes allow for saltatory conduction, which is the rapid propagation of an action potential from node to node. Without nodes of Ranvier, the action potential would travel more slowly along the axon, but it would still propagate in the forward direction. Therefore, a long, myelinated axon lacking nodes of Ranvier would not propagate nerve impulses more slowly than one with nodes of Ranvier.

A Long, Myelinated Axon Lacking Nodes of Ranvier Would Probably