In axons, the gap between segments of myelin is called a _______, and it serves to _______ action potential conduction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gap between segments of myelin in axons is called a node of Ranvier, and it serves to speed up action potential conduction by allowing for saltatory conduction, where the action potential jumps from node to node rather than continuously propagating along the entire length of the axon. Oligodendrocytes are cells that produce myelin in the central nervous system, but they are not directly involved in the formation or function of nodes of Ranvier.

In Axons, the Gap Between Segments of Myelin Is Called