What is the role of a myelin sheath in neurones?

The role of the myelin sheath is to speed up the conduction of an action potential along neurones. It's made up of Schwann cells that wrap around neurones, forming an insulating layer with gaps inbetween called nodes. Once the action potential is initiated at the axon hillock, it passes down the neurone to reach the axon terminal and as it does so, the action potential appears to 'jump' from node to node. Action potentials are elicited at each node since there is no insulating myelin present. In non-myelinated neurones the speed of conduction is a lot slower as action potentials are elicited at each point until it reaches the axon terminal.

Answered by Biology tutor

2943 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the major similarities between oxidative phosphorylation and non-cyclic photophosphorylation?


Explain 3 ways in which red blood cells are adapted to perform their function efficiently


How does the sequence of pressure changes in the heart produce a unidirectional flow of blood?


What is Darwin’s theory of Evolution by Natural Selection? What is the evidence?


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