How does myelination affect nerve impulse conduction velocity?

Nerve impulses are propagated in the form of action potentials, involving the rapid depolarisation of the nerve cell membrane from  -70mV to +30mV, before repolarisation occurs returning the membrane potential to -70mV. This cycle of depolarisation and repolarisation is propagated along the nerve cell as an electrical signal. Myelinated axons are covered in a protective, lipid rich myelin sheath produced by Schwann cells. This insulates regions of the nerve cell, so they cannot depolarise. Regions that lack myelin are called “nodes of Ranvier” and these become the only areas where action potentials can form, resulting in “jumping” of the nerve impulse from node to node. This is called saltatory conduction. Saltatory conduction results in faster nerve impulse conduction velocity, as the action potentials can “jump” along the neuron. 

TW
Answered by Thomas W. Biology tutor

9098 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

The genotypes of 2 guinea pigs, for 2 traits are represented as AABB and aabb. The guinea pigs are mated and the offspring eventually mate with eachother. Of the second generation, what genotypes would be phenotypically different from the originals?


What are phagocytes and how do they protect the body?


Why might a gene still code for a functioning enzyme after a substitution mutation to one base in the gene?


What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning