Saltatory conduction
A)occurs only if the myelin sheath is continuous.
B)occurs only if nodes of Ranvier are lacking.
C)is faster than conduction on an unmyelinated fiber.
D)is slower than conduction on an unmyelinated fiber.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction refers to the jumping of an action potential from one node of Ranvier to another on a myelinated axon. This allows for faster conduction of the action potential compared to an unmyelinated fiber, where the action potential travels continuously along the axon. Therefore, option C is the best choice as it correctly states that saltatory conduction is faster than conduction on an unmyelinated fiber. Options A and B are incorrect as they suggest that saltatory conduction can only occur under specific conditions (continuous myelin sheath or lack of nodes of Ranvier), which is not true. Option D is also incorrect as it suggests that saltatory conduction is slower than conduction on an unmyelinated fiber, which is the opposite of what is true.

Saltatory Conduction