Myelinated and Unmyelinated Axons

Front

What is the Node of Ranvier?

Back

The Node of Ranvier is a small gap in the myelin sheath of a nerve fiber, which facilitates the rapid conduction of nerve impulses through saltatory conduction.

Front

What is the function of Schwann cells?

Back

Schwann cells are glial cells in the peripheral nervous system that produce the myelin sheath around neuronal axons, aiding in the insulation and speed of electrical signal transmission.

Front

Describe the process of myelination in axons.

Back

Myelination involves the wrapping of axons with myelin sheaths formed by Schwann cells, which occurs in stages, leading to the formation of multiple layers of lipid-rich membranes.

Front

What is the structure of an axon?

Back

An axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Front

What is a myelin sheath?

Back

A myelin sheath is a protective covering that surrounds axons, composed of multiple layers of lipid-rich membranes, which increases the speed of electrical signal transmission.

Front

How does myelination affect nerve impulse conduction?

Back

Myelination increases the speed of nerve impulse conduction by allowing impulses to jump between Nodes of Ranvier, a process known as saltatory conduction.

Front

What are the differences between myelinated and unmyelinated axons?

Back

Myelinated axons have a myelin sheath that increases conduction speed, while unmyelinated axons lack this sheath and conduct impulses more slowly.

Front

What role do oligodendrocytes play in the central nervous system?

Back

Oligodendrocytes are glial cells in the central nervous system that produce myelin sheaths for multiple axons, facilitating faster signal transmission.

Front

What is saltatory conduction?

Back

Saltatory conduction is the process by which nerve impulses jump from one Node of Ranvier to another along myelinated axons, resulting in faster transmission.

Front

What is the significance of the myelin sheath in the nervous system?

Back

The myelin sheath is crucial for the efficient and rapid transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system, preventing signal loss and ensuring proper communication between neurons.