Biology / Unit 12 Bio 2825 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Myelin and Saltatory Conduction
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The idea
Myelin insulates an axon, forcing the action potential to "jump" between unmyelinated gaps called nodes of Ranvier, a process called saltatory conduction that speeds signal travel.
In practice
Multiple sclerosis damages myelin, slowing conduction as current leaks from previously insulated stretches of axon.
Where people slip
Nodes of Ranvier are where the signal regenerates — without them, channels would have to fire continuously along the entire axon.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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