Which of the following is an important advantage associated with saltatory conduction?
A) More sodium ions have to be pumped out of the cell after an action potential.
B) Myelin allows the nerve cell to recycle neurotransmitter molecules.
C) Less transmitter is required to send a message across the next synapse.
D) Myelin speeds up the velocity at which an axon can conduct an action potential.
E) Myelin requires that nerve cell axons be larger in order to conduct a signal rapidly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction is faster than non-saltatory conduction because in the former, the action potential only occurs at the nodes of Ranvier where there is a high concentration of voltage-gated ion channels. The myelin sheath facilitates this by insulating the axon and forcing the ions to jump quickly between the nodes. As a result, myelinated axons are able to conduct action potentials at faster speeds than unmyelinated axons.

Which of the Following Is an Important Advantage Associated with Saltatory