Saltatory conduction occurs when
A) sodium levels are highest on the outside of the axonal membrane.
B) sodium gates open.
C) resting potential fails to be reset.
D) neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft.
E) an action potential jumps from node to node.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction refers to the rapid movement of an action potential along a myelinated axon, where the electrical signal appears to "jump" quickly from one node of Ranvier to the next. This is because the myelin sheath insulates the axon, preventing ion flow and subsequent depolarization in the regions covered by myelin. Instead, the depolarization occurs only at the nodes of Ranvier, where ion channels are densely packed and readily allow the influx of ions needed to trigger an action potential. The result is a much faster propagation of the electrical signal along the axon, which is known as saltatory conduction.

Saltatory Conduction Occurs When