Question

Impulse propagation by a myelinated axon is called ________ conduction.

1) saltatory
2) myelinated
3) rapid fire
4) jump stop
5) leap frog

Answer 1

Saltatory conduction is the process by which nerve impulses travel rapidly along myelinated axons, 'jumping' from one node of Ranvier to the next.

Step-by-step explanation:

Unlike the continuous conduction seen in unmyelinated axons, saltatory conduction allows for much faster transmission of nerve impulses. This is because the myelin sheath acts as an insulator, preventing the loss of electrical signals and enabling the impulse to travel quickly over long distances.

The presence of the myelin sheath and the axon's diameter are key factors in the speed of impulse conduction, much as a wide river allows water to flow more rapidly than a narrow creek. Saltatory conduction is the term used to describe the impulse propagation along a myelinated axon. In myelinated axons, the action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next, resulting in faster conduction compared to continuous conduction in unmyelinated axons. Myelination and the diameter of the axon are factors that influence the speed of conduction.