The article discuss about the What type of conduction takes place in unmyelinated axons? Unlike myelinated axons, unmyelinated axons conduct via saltatory conduction. The word “saltatory” comes from the Latin word “salto”, which means to jump. This method of nerve transmission is named this because action potential jumps between nodes of ranvier, hence making it faster than what would typically be seen in myelinated axons.
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What is saltatory conduction?
Slatatory Conduction occurs when action potentials jump between what are called “Nodes of Ranvier” that are located on what are called “Schwann Cells”.
Why is saltatory conduction important?
Signals are transmitted more quickly in the body thanks to Saltatory Conduction. This leads to more efficient nervous system function, usually resulting in added performance/speed/strength etc.
What the sodium-potassium pump does, what it is made up of, what happens when it doesn’t function Function: the sodium-potassium pump transports two K+ out of the cell while taking in three Na+ What it looks like: ATP channels are open allowing diffusion. Potassium ions diffuse into the neuron while sodium ions diffuse out membrane potential is still -70. If it doesn’t work the neuron will not fire action potentials, nerve transmissions will be slower and less efficient.
What does “Action Potential” mean? How does it look? When does each phase take place? what causes it to move down the axon? What is necessary for such a movement? shape: positive inside and negative outside cause: depolarization as a result of voltage-gated Na+ channels opening. speed: 4-30 m/s activation threshold: only if the membrane reaches threshold +20mV do voltage gated sodium channels open conduction velocity: fastest in myelinated axons because saltatory conduction occurs required molecules: ATP, potassium ions diffuse into cell while sodium ions diffuse out due to higher concentration what happens during each phase: depolarization – neuron begins to get excited/fire an action potential repolarization – neurons membrane potential becomes more negative hyperpolarization – what happens when the neuron is about to fire (becoming excited) what causes it to move down the axon: ionic concentrations in and outside of cell change what is necessary for such movement ions diffuse through electrical gradient what regions are responsible for this? 1. Node of ranvier 2. Myelin sheath 3. Neurotransmitter release/action potential (at axon hillock) 4. Sodium-potassium pump.
Myelination what does myelin do? what are the parts of a neuron involved with making myelin? what is the role of Schwann cells? what are oligodendrocytes? what is the role of Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes in myelination? what diseases are associated with damage to myelin? Myelin wraps around the axon to form a sheath. This sheath helps to increase the speed of nerve impulse conduction.
The parts of a neuron involved in making myelin are called the “Myelinogenic Cells”. In the peripheral nervous system, myelin is produced by Schwann cells, while in the central nervous system it is made by oligodendrocytes. Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes produce and wrap myelin around axons, respectively, during myelination.
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