Explain what causes the conduction of impulses along a non-myelinated axon to be slower than along a myelinated axon.

In myelinated axons, the myelin sheath that surround the membrane prevents action potentials forming, hence depolarisation only occurs at the nodes of Ranvier (breaks in the sheath, exposing the membrane, at intervals of around 2mm). Impulses therefore 'jump' from node to node in a process called saltatory conduction. This is a much faster process than that which occurs along non-myelinated axons, whereby depolarisation occurs along the entire length of the axon. 

RO
Answered by Ruby O. Biology tutor

8751 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

During anaerobic respiration, pyruvate is converted to lactate by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. Explain the significance of this reaction.


What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?


Explain Cohesion-Tension Theory


Aspartic Acid and Proline are both part of the 20 basic amino acids. Describe their similarities and differences in terms of their properties.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences