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Very simples, myelinated axons have a myelin sheath! These are produced by the schwann cells in the Peripheral Nervous System and oligodendrocytes in the Central Nervous System. The myelin sheath is made out of lipids (fats) and proteins. The benefits of a myelinated axons is a faster transmission of an electrical impulse and also insulation. The breakdown of a myelin sheath from a medical background results in Demyelination.
Tortora, G, Derrickson, B (2009) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, Wiley, Asia, 12th Edition, Volume 1, Pages 416-423
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What type of axon allows saltatory conduction?
Myelinated axons allow for saltatory conduction, which is a faster method of transmitting action potentials. The myelin sheath insulates the axon and allows the action potential to "jump" from one node of Ranvier to the next, speeding up the process. Unmyelinated axons do not support saltatory conduction.
Are unmyelinated axons in the cerebral cortex?
Yes, unmyelinated axons are present in the cerebral cortex. While many neurons in the cerebral cortex have myelinated axons, some interneurons and shorter local circuit neurons have unmyelinated axons. These unmyelinated axons play a role in the local processing and communication within the cortex.
What connective tissue cover myelinated or unmyelinated axons?
Axons are covered by connective tissue called endoneurium. Multiple axons are bundled together within fascicles, which are surrounded by perineurium. Finally, the entire nerve is enveloped by epineurium.
Which type of axon will velocity of action potential conduction be the fastest?
Myelinated axons with a larger diameter will conduct action potentials the fastest due to saltatory conduction, where the action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next, skipping the myelin-covered regions. Smaller-diameter and unmyelinated axons will conduct action potentials more slowly.
Does Saltatory conduction occur only in axons?
Yes, saltatory conduction occurs only in myelinated axons. The myelin sheath insulates the axon, allowing the action potential to "jump" from one Node of Ranvier to the next, speeding up the transmission of the signal. Unmyelinated axons transmit signals continuously along their length.
How do the conduction velocities of unmyelinated axons compare to myelinated axons?
Unmyelinated axons have slower conduction velocities compared to myelinated axons. Myelinated axons are able to conduct nerve impulses faster due to the insulation provided by the myelin sheath.
What is the relationship between the degree of myelination and and conduction velocity?
That myelinated axons fare faster, unmyelinated are slower.
Gray matter in the spinal cord is mostly?
unmyelinated axons.
Can a myelinated axon have a larger diameter than an unmyelinated axon?
Yes, a myelinated axon can have a larger diameter than an unmyelinated axon. Myelin sheath covers the axon, and the diameter of the axon itself can vary independently of myelination. The larger diameter of a myelinated axon allows for faster conduction of nerve impulses compared to unmyelinated axons.
Why are myelinated axons faster than unmyelinated axons?
Myelinated axons are faster than unmyelinated axons because the myelin sheath acts as an insulator, allowing for faster transmission of electrical signals along the axon. This insulation helps to prevent signal loss and allows the electrical impulse to "jump" from one node of Ranvier to the next, a process known as saltatory conduction, which speeds up the transmission of the signal.
What type of axon allows saltatory conduction?
Myelinated axons allow for saltatory conduction, which is a faster method of transmitting action potentials. The myelin sheath insulates the axon and allows the action potential to "jump" from one node of Ranvier to the next, speeding up the process. Unmyelinated axons do not support saltatory conduction.
What type of conduction takes place in an unmyelinated axons?
Continuous conduction.
Are unmyelinated axons in the cerebral cortex?
Yes, unmyelinated axons are present in the cerebral cortex. While many neurons in the cerebral cortex have myelinated axons, some interneurons and shorter local circuit neurons have unmyelinated axons. These unmyelinated axons play a role in the local processing and communication within the cortex.
What connective tissue cover myelinated or unmyelinated axons?
Axons are covered by connective tissue called endoneurium. Multiple axons are bundled together within fascicles, which are surrounded by perineurium. Finally, the entire nerve is enveloped by epineurium.
Do unmyelinated fibers transmit slowly?
Yes, myelinated axons are much more effective.
Which type of axon will velocity of action potential conduction be the fastest?
Myelinated axons with a larger diameter will conduct action potentials the fastest due to saltatory conduction, where the action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next, skipping the myelin-covered regions. Smaller-diameter and unmyelinated axons will conduct action potentials more slowly.
What is a disadvantage of unmyelinated nervous tissue when compared to myelinated tissue?
Unmyelinated tissue is substantially slower in conducting impulses along the axon. With myelinated axons, the action potential (impulse) jumps from node to node greatly increasing the speed of the impulse.
