What is saltatory conduction?

·   Myelin sheath is an insulating layer of fatty material, composed of Schwann cells wrapped tightly around the neurone.·   Sodium and potassium ions cannot diffuse through this fatty layer.·   In between the Schwann cells are small gaps- the nodes of Ranvier.·  Therefore, the ionic movements that create an action potential cannot occur over much of the length of the neurone: they occur only at the nodes of Ranvier.·   In myelinated neurones the local currents are therefore elongated and sodium ions diffuse along the neurone from one node of Ranvier to the next.· This means that the action potential appears to jump from one node to the next.·  This is called saltatory conduction.

NS
Answered by Natalia S. Biology tutor

5886 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the function of the myelin sheath?


Why is it that an action potential only travels in one direction?


Describe how the sequence of bases in a DNA molecule would be used to form the primary structure of a protein.


Draw and label a diagram of an animal cell?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning