Suppose you wanted to build a neuron that carried information very quickly. One way to increase the speed of conduction of a neural impulse would be to:
A) activate the neuron with an intense stimulus.
B) wrap the axon in a myelin sheath.
C) make the axon very long.
D) place many dendrites on the neuron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Wrapping the axon in a myelin sheath increases the speed of conduction of a neural impulse by allowing the impulse to "jump" from one node of Ranvier to the next, rather than traveling along the entire length of the axon. This is called saltatory conduction and is much faster than continuous conduction. Activating the neuron with an intense stimulus may increase the frequency of action potential firing, but it does not affect the speed of conduction. Making the axon very long would actually decrease the speed of conduction, as resistance would increase with length. Placing many dendrites on the neuron does not affect the speed of conduction, as dendrites receive information rather than sending it.

Suppose You Wanted to Build a Neuron That Carried Information