Saltatory conduction: Difference between revisions
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Due to the [[Myelin Sheath|myelination of]] [[Neuron|neurones]] within [[Mammals|mammalian]] nervous systems, [[Action potential|action potentials]] may only occur at the [[Nodes of Ranvier|Nodes of Ranvier]]. Myelin is made up of insulating cells which means [[Depolarisation|depolarisation]] cannot occur in myelinated regions. Between these cells however, there are gaps known as the [[ | Due to the [[Myelin Sheath|myelination of]] [[Neuron|neurones]] within [[Mammals|mammalian]] nervous systems, [[Action potential|action potentials]] may only occur at the [[Nodes of Ranvier|Nodes of Ranvier]]. Myelin is made up of insulating cells which means [[Depolarisation|depolarisation]] cannot occur in myelinated regions. Between these cells however, there are gaps known as the [[Nodes_of_Ranvier|Nodes of Ranvier]] which are unmyelinated. As depolarisation cannot occur at the cells making up the myelin sheath, the wave of depolarisation can only occur at the [[Nodes of Ranvier|Nodes of Ranvier]]. Thus, [[Action potentials|action potentials appear]] to jump from node to node when travelling down an [[Axon|axon]].This speeds up the transmisson of action potentials massively. | ||
This phenomenon is known as '''''saltatory conduction''''', and serves as a means of increasing the rate of propagation of an [[Action potential|action potential]] <ref>Alberts, B (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell. New York: Garland Science. 680</ref>. | This phenomenon is known as '''''saltatory conduction''''', and serves as a means of increasing the rate of propagation of an [[Action potential|action potential]] <ref>Alberts, B (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell. New York: Garland Science. 680</ref>. | ||
Revision as of 11:54, 29 November 2012
Due to the myelination of neurones within mammalian nervous systems, action potentials may only occur at the Nodes of Ranvier. Myelin is made up of insulating cells which means depolarisation cannot occur in myelinated regions. Between these cells however, there are gaps known as the Nodes of Ranvier which are unmyelinated. As depolarisation cannot occur at the cells making up the myelin sheath, the wave of depolarisation can only occur at the Nodes of Ranvier. Thus, action potentials appear to jump from node to node when travelling down an axon.This speeds up the transmisson of action potentials massively.
This phenomenon is known as saltatory conduction, and serves as a means of increasing the rate of propagation of an action potential [1].
References
- ↑ Alberts, B (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell. New York: Garland Science. 680