In a nerve cell, the function of the myelin is to
A) conduct impulses away from the cell body.
B) attach the neuron to connective tissue.
C) receive impulses and conduct them to the cell body.
D) increase the speed at which nerve impulses are carried away from the cell body.
E) support and nourish the neuron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Myelin is a fatty substance that surrounds the axon of some nerve cells, forming an insulating layer. It is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system because it increases the speed at which electrical impulses (action potentials) are conducted along the axon of the nerve cell, away from the cell body. This is achieved through a process known as saltatory conduction, where the electrical impulse jumps from one node of Ranvier (gaps in the myelin sheath) to the next, significantly speeding up signal transmission.

In a Nerve Cell, the Function of the Myelin Is