Discuss the two main factors to influence conduction speed of an action potential

What will be an ideal response?


Conduction speed is influenced by two main factors: 1 ) diameter of the axon, and 2 ) presence or absence of a myelin sheath. Larger axons have lower resistance to the conduction of an action potential, and current flows through them more easily. Saltatory conduction occurs in the presence of a myelin sheath while continuous conduction occurs in the absence of a myelin sheath. Since myelin is an excellent insulator of electrical charge, the flow of current is far more efficient in a myelinated axon. Therefore, saltatory conduction is significantly faster than continuous conduction.

Anatomy & Physiology

You might also like to view...

Vasculogenesis refers to

A) the growth of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels. B) the development of heart tissue. C) the formation of the first vessels. D) the formation of arteries only. E) the formation of veins only.

Anatomy & Physiology

An individual tract within the spinal cord contains either sensory nerve signals or motor nerve signals only.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Anatomy & Physiology

Sperm mature in the ________.

A. seminal vesicles B. epididymis C. testes D. seminiferous tubules

Anatomy & Physiology

Where are the lymph node aggregations most dense?

What will be an ideal response

Anatomy & Physiology