Why might the speed of electrical transmission be faster for a mylenated neuron compared to an unmyelated neuron?
A) Actions potentials need only occur at gaps between myelin sheaths.
B) Actions potentials have a greater magnitude.
C) They are thicker, allowing for more actions potentials to occur.
D) Myelin increases the concentration of ions within the neuron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The myelin sheath acts as an insulator, preventing the leakage of charged ions across the neuronal membrane. This insulation causes the action potential to jump from one node of Ranvier to the next, allowing for faster and more efficient transmission of the electrical signal down the axon. Thus, the action potentials need only occur at the gaps between myelin sheaths, resulting in faster transmission for a myelinated neuron compared to an unmyelinated neuron.

Why Might the Speed of Electrical Transmission Be Faster for a Mylenated