Question

Compared to unmyelinated axons, myelinated axons?

A) conduct impulses faster
B) conduct impulses more often
C) do not contain axons collaterals
D) produce larger action potentials
E) produce longer lasting action potentials

Answer 1

A. Conduct impulses faster.

Step-by-step explanation:

Myelinated axons are called that way due to the myelin sheath that surrounds them. Myelin has an insulation property so electrical impulses cannot travel through it, except on certain sites called Nodes of Ranvier. In order for electrical impulses to be conducted on myelinated axons they must "jump" from one Node of Ranvier to the next, and thus conduction is faster. This is called saltatory conduction.